MARION — The few seconds right before swimmers dive into the pool before a race begins is eerily quiet.
It’s only a few seconds, but anticipation is thick in the air. The line of swimmers adjust their bodies at the diving blocks, situating themselves for the optimal pool entrance. The only sound comes from the whooshing of the pool’s filtration system. Even the surface of the pool is still, waiting patiently for the impending disruption.
A voice speaks over the intercom, distorted, calling out the event name. More silence.
Then, a buzzer sounds.
The quiet is immediately shattered. Water splashes several feet into the air, shouts and whistles from family members, fellow swimmers, and coaches echoing throughout the space.
Solon senior Grace Hoeper is only getting a few more of those moments before takeoff in her high school swimming career.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Hoeper competed at the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Qualifiers competition at Linn Mar High School. Hoeper qualified for state in two individual and two relay events.
At times, it seems like Hoeper’s toughest competition is herself. Hoeper already held the pool record for the 50-yard freestyle swim at Linn Mar, finishing in 23.41 seconds in 2023.
Hoeper beat herself out this year finishing in 23.34 seconds and qualifying for the state competition. She also placed first in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 50.95 seconds. She was also the first swimmer for the first place, state-qualifying 200-yard freestyle relay team, the group f inishing in 1:38.93.
Last year, Hoeper placed first for both the 50 and 100yard freestyle at the state competition with times of 23.44 and 50.27 seconds respectively. This consistent effort is what landed her an offer to swim for Division I Indiana University.
The work Hoeper put into her swimming started long before the state qualifying competition.
Even at the tail end of swim practice on September 12 with Iowa City High School — months before the stakes were raised with State Qualifiers on the horizon — Hoeper was swimming like she just jumped in the pool.
During the final round of partner drills at City High swim practice, head coach Mandi Kowal barker orders to her squad, telling them if they weren’t going to put in the effort, they were going to have to repeat the drills.
It was clear that feedback wasn’t meant for the Indiana commit.
The instructions were to swim relay-style halfway across the pool and back. In other lanes, the pool’s water had a second to still while the swimmers were catching their breath.
Hoeper, however, didn’t hesitate. The second her partner’s hand touched the wall, Hoeper dove in, flexing her 11 years of experience and talent that got her accepted into one of the best schools in the Big Ten for swimming.
Hoeper has swam for Kowal, a former Iowa swimmer herself, all four years of high school. Having seen Hoeper’s skill develop over the years, she is excited to see her final state competition after making the cut for the last three years.
“It’s just so fun to watch her swim, and she’s put a lot of time into it and a lot of energy into this team,” Kowal said after Hoeper received her first qualifying ticket. “I just want her to have fun. That’s what I want.”
2024 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Swimming and Diving Meet information
The meet will be held Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA with three sessions scheduled.
The State Preliminary Meet is set for 11:00 a.m. Friday with the State Diving Meet set for 4:30 p.m.
The State Swimming Finals will begin at noon Saturday.
Tickets are being sold online through Bound (www.gobound. com/ia/ighsau/gsw/2024-25/tickets) for $15 plus processing fees. No cash will be accepted at the gate, but there will be card readers on site to process debit/credit cards on site. Parking fees are included in the admission ticket with parking lots opening at 6:00 a.m. both days.
For additional details including maps of parking lots and spectator expectations go to https://ighsau.org/news/stateswimming-diving-spectator-information/.