Press release
Athens Christian Preparatory Academy Senior Katy Hardin was recently named an Academic All-American by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America. Over 342,786 students are involved in aquatics at the high school level in over 15,623 programs across the country. Only 2 percent of these students are recognized as high school Academic All American’s. Hardin’s swim coach Willy Robson feels very proud to train such a successful athlete and academic.
“Its very rewarding,” Robson said. “It makes it worth while to see her be so determined to succeed at both academics and swimming.”
Hardin trains for swimming five days a week. During the season she is in the pool two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. During the off-season she only trains two hours in the afternoon. Her dedication to her sport has helped her with her academics.
“Swimming teaches you not to give up when something is hard,” Hardin said. “It also shows you how much behind the scenes hard work it takes to excel.”
ACPA Headmistress Teresa DeMay believes that Hardin has a drive to succeed that few students her age possess. “She has completed the Prep Distinguished level in three years. It’s hard for most to complete it in four years,” DeMay said.
Robson attributes Hardin’s success in swimming to her dedication and self-confidence, but he also believes a unique motivational tool he uses helped as well.
“When I first met Katy I told her she would never be a swimmer,” Robson said. “That made her mad and it made her want to prove me wrong, which she did.”
After graduation Hardin plans to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in Architecture. “I don’t think I will join the Swim Team at Auburn but I do plan to participate in club swimming”, Hardin said.
Robson who is a Texas A&M supporter said, “I don’t exactly agree with her choice of school but working with Katy has been a real joy and I look forward to her being my assistant coach over the summer.”
Everyone at ACPA is proud of Katy according to DeMay.
“The All-American is a really big national honor that is hard to achieve. Katy deserves it. Auburn is getting a great student,” DeMay said.
What a fantastic accomplishment for this young lady! Very thankful for ACPA and or Wille Robson! Athens is fortunate to have a good man like Willie Robson to work with the young swimmers in our community! Willie lives these kids and teaches them much more than swimming! Congratulation!