Columbia Gets First Class of 2026 Verbal from Arizona Relay State Champion Grace Dunn

Grace Dunn columbia
Photo Courtesy: Grace Dunn

NEW COMMIT: Columbia University has secured their first verbal commitment* for the 2022-23 season and beyond from Futures qualifier Grace Dunn of Phoenix, Az.

She told Swimming World:

“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to the admissions process to swim and study at Columbia University in the City of New York. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to attend a university that will challenge me in the classroom and in the pool. Coaches Diana and Matt have been unwavering in their support for me during this rollercoaster of a process. Their faith in me is only matched by my faith in them to help me develop into a great collegiate athlete. I would like to shout out all of my coaches throughout the years (you know who you are)! And a special thanks to my family for their incredible sacrifices to get me here. Go Lions! #roarlionroar”

A talented freestyler, Dunn trains year-round with Scottsdale Aquatic Club and most recently finaled in the 500 free at Four Corner Sectionals last month after placing sixth in the mile at Arizona Seniors. She also won the 1000 and mile at Arizona Seniors in 2020.

In Summer 2019, she had a strong showing at Mount Hood Futures before going on to take 20th in the 1500m free and 21st in the 400m free at Des Moines Futures.

Her best times include:

  • 50 free – 24.40
  • 100 free – 52.20
  • 200 free – 1:50.64
  • 500 free – 4:56.17
  • 1000 free – 10:08.86
  • 1650 free – 17:07.48
  • 100 back – 59.22
  • 200 back – 2:05.85

Currently a junior at Chapparal High School, Dunn is a four-time individual Arizona DI State Championship finalist. She placed fourth in the 200 free and seventh in the 500 free in 2021 while finishing fourth in both events in her sophomore season.

She also swam on her school’s winning 4×50 free relay in 2020, splitting a 24.32.

Dunn will add valuable freestyle depth to the Lions’ lineup when she arrives on campus as a member of the Class of 2026. She would’ve scored in the C-final of the 200/500 free at the 2020 Ivy League Championships where she also would’ve placed 16th in the 1000 free and 19th in the mile.

*IVY LEAGUE DISCLAIMER:* A “verbal commitment” does not guarantee admission. An Ivy League coach cannot guarantee admission but can only commit support in the admissions process.

If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.

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Courtney Dunn
Courtney Dunn
2 years ago

Proud mom comment. Columbia really got an incredible kid with a stellar work ethic. She also contributed to the 2019 800 free Winter Junior Championship relay for Scottsdale, Roar!

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