Since she was young, La Salle-Peru senior Peyton Heagy has worked toward the goal of swimming in college.
That became a reality Wednesday when Heagy signed a National Letter of Intent to swim for Indiana State University.
“It is what I have strived for since I was younger,” Heagy said. “It will give me the opportunity to meet new people, reach my potential and challenge myself.”
Heagy also considered Lewis University, Saginaw Valley State University and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
“I chose Indiana State because of both the great nursing program and the great swim team atmosphere,” Heagy said. “I loved the smaller town yet nature feel of the campus as there were a lot of parks around the town.”
Heagy was a three-time state qualifier for the Cavaliers, winning three sectional titles in the 50-yard freestyle and two sectional championships in the 100 freestyle.
As a senior, she placed 20th at state in the 50 freestyle and 25th in the 100 freestyle.
“I will bring my hard work and potential to the team because I have done some strength training, but I am excited to see how being in a college weight program will increase my strength and speed,” Heagy said. “My goals (at Indiana State) are to improve every year, become a leader for the team and be able to help the team win conference championships.”
L-P co-op coach Rob McNally said Heagy has potential to get even better at the next level.
“I think Peyton still has tremendous upside,” McNally said. “She really started to take her out of the pool work diligently this year. Because of that, she swam lifetime bests at the sectional. She has a lot of room to still improve with regard to getting stronger, but her mentality has made it that she’s willing to do that work.
“I’m proud of her. It’s been a great pleasure to coach her.”