Junior Pan Pac Finalist Grace Koenig-Song Stays Local With 2028 Verbal to Northwestern
NEW COMMIT: Northwestern University has recorded a new verbal commitment for Fall 2028 from local Chicago native Grace Koenig-Song, one of the top recruits in the class. Koenig-Song is a member of the 2026-27 U.S. National Junior Team.
She will join Gabriela Bortlisz in Evanston as a member of the Wildcats’ Class of 2032.
Regarding her commitment, she said:
“I am extremely grateful and excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Northwestern University!!
First and foremost, I want to thank my family for their countless sacrifices as well as my friends and teammates for supporting me every step of the way. I also would like to thank my team @nasawild as I would not be where I am today without them, and to my coaches along the way: Coach Alessio, Coach Jeff (x2), Coach Chris, Coach Joey, and Coach Kate. Thank you for helping me grow not only as a swimmer, but also as a person, and for shaping me into who I am today. Finally, none of this would have been possible without Coach Rachel, Coach Eddie, and the entire coaching staff at Northwestern. I am incredibly grateful for all of your support, patience, and belief in me throughout this journey. I am so excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to call Northwestern home!! Go ’Cats!!”
A breaststroker and IMer, Koenig-Song trains year-round with NASA Wildcat Aquatics. She most recently competed at Junior Pan Pacs where she finished 12th in the 200m breast, 13th in the 50m breast and 15th in the 100m breast.
Also this summer, she earned silver in the 50m breast, as well as bronze in both the 100m breast and 200m breast, at Junior Nationals. Koenig-Song raced to 18th in the 50m breast and 100m breast at USA Swimming Nationals, too.
Her best times include:
- 200 breast – 2:10.83
- 100 breast – 1:00.28
- 200 IM – 1:59.83
- 400 IM – 4:17.82
Last winter, Koenig-Song placed third in the 200 breast and seventh in the 100 breast at Juniors West before going on to win the 50 breast and 100 breast at NCSA Spring Championships. She also took second in the 200 IM, fourth in the 200 breast and 10th in the 50 free at that meet.
Northwestern placed ninth at the 2026 Big Ten Championships. Koenig-Song’s best times in both the 100 and 200 breasts would’ve led the team last season. She would’ve made the Big Ten A-final in the 200 breast and the B-final in the 100 breast.
If you have a commitment to share, please send a photo and quote via email to hs@swimmingworld.com.
