GCS Swimmers Bring Home the “Bling” from State

February 16, 2026 – The Cougars competed at the Josh Davis Natatorium against some of the strongest programs from across the state and rose to the challenge in a big way. The girls team finished second overall, while the boys placed seventh, narrowly missing sixth place by just 5.5 points in a tightly contested meet.

Races throughout the day were decided by fractions of a second, and Grace swimmers responded with focus and grit. Athletes pushed through fatigue, fought for every finish and consistently encouraged one another from the pool deck and stands, reflecting the unity and character of the program.

Senior Mollie Mathis led the way for the Lady Cougars, placing third in the 200-yard freestyle and fourth in the 100 freestyle in her final meet. Sophomore Ella Buess added a third-place finish in the 100 breaststroke and fourth in the 200 individual medley, finishing just .04 seconds out of second place in the breaststroke.

Grace also saw strong relay performances, as the girls 200 medley relay finished second and the girls 400 freestyle relay placed third.

On the boys’ side, senior Leonardo Rubio delivered a standout performance, placing fourth in the 100 butterfly and setting a new school record in the event. Daniel Minick placed sixth in the 100 butterfly and seventh in the 200 individual medley, while Mateo Agudelo finished seventh in the 100 freestyle.

Girls Individual Results
Mollie Mathis: 200 freestyle, 3rd; 100 freestyle, 4th
Georgia Atkinson: 500 freestyle, 9th; 200 freestyle, 13th
Ella Buess: 100 breaststroke, 3rd; 200 IM, 4th
Cora Castle: 100 butterfly, 9th
Audrey Green: 100 breaststroke, 10th
Ava Green: 100 backstroke, 9th
Natalie Jenks: 100 backstroke, 5th
Addison Lybrand: 500 freestyle, 12th

Girls Relay Results
200 medley relay, 2nd (Jenks, Buess, Mathis, Castle)
200 freestyle relay, 8th (Jenks, Atkinson, Ava Green, Castle)
400 freestyle relay, 3rd (Jenks, Castle, Buess, Mathis)

Boys Individual Results
Leonardo Rubio: 100 butterfly, 4th; 200 freestyle, 7th
Mateo Agudelo: 100 freestyle, 7th
Sam Doyle: 50 freestyle, 11th; 100 freestyle, 14th
Will Means: 100 freestyle, 10th; 100 breaststroke, 14th
Daniel Minick: 100 butterfly, 6th; 200 IM, 7th
Isaac Stephenson: 100 breaststroke, 9th

Boys Relay Results
200 medley relay, 6th (Stephenson, Means, Rubio, Doyle)
200 freestyle relay, 7th (Means, Doyle, Agudelo, Minick)
400 freestyle relay, 7th (Agudelo, Stephenson, Rubio, Minick)

Grace’s swimmers represented their school with excellence through their effort, sportsmanship and perseverance. The program extends its gratitude to parents and grandparents for their continued support and encouragement throughout the season.