Swimming and Diving Signs Texas Duo

FAYETTEVILLE – Texans Allison Chinn and Lauren Grandy signed National Letters of Intent to swim next season for the University of Arkansas, Lady Razorback swimming coach Anne Goodman James announced Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Chinn is a butterfly specialist from San Antonio, Texas. As a junior, Chinn earned all-American honors in the 100 fly and medley relay while leading the Winston Churchill Chargers to the Class 5A state championship. Chinn competes for the Alamo Area Aquatics club team and has participated in the USA sectionals since she was in the 15 and under age group.

Chinn’s personal best time in the 100 fly (56.25) is a mark good enough for a top five finish in the Arkansas record books.

Goodman James said she is thrilled about signing Chinn, who adds depth in the butterfly to current Lady’Backs freshman Summer Jackson and sophomore Emily Gregory.

“Allison is a wonderful addition to our strength in the butterfly events,” she said. “Besides being a great student and swimmer, her enthusiasm for the sport and the Lady’Backs is a real plus for our program.”

Humble, Texas, native Grandy should have an impact on the Lady’Backs as a middle distance freestyle swimmer.

In her junior season, Grandy was an all-state and all-American selection for the Humble Wildcats. Grandy holds four school records including the 200 and 500 freestyle. Grandy also led the Wildcats to the water polo state championship game in 2005.

As a member of the Blue Tide Aquatics club, Grandy was a sectionals champion in the 16-and-under division and a junior national champion as a 14-and-under competitor.

In high school, Grandy’s recorded impressive personal best times in the 200 free (1:50.62), 500 free (4:58.10) and 1,000 free (10:30.30). Goodman James said Grandy’s experience in middle distance freestyle events fills a need that the squad lacks this season.

“We are so excited about having Lauren as part of the Lady Razorback team,” she said. “We expect her to be a major contributor to our sprint relays, as she has the versatility and competitiveness to swim those distances explosively.”

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