By Owen Gotimer
LoCoSports Editor-In-Chief
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Purcellville (November 17, 2015) — Woodgrove High School senior Kacey Hauck has signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her swimming career at Division I Campbell University starting in the 2016-2017 school year.
“It is such a relief to know that I am committed,” the 5-foot-7 Hauck said. “Over ten years of intense training and hard work finally pays off in such a huge and rewarding way.”
Hauck’s reward is in the form of the opportunity to continue her education and athletics at a small, private school in North Carolina.
“I chose Campbell because it’s a small Division I school with a beautiful campus. Everyone that I’ve met at the school has been incredibly helpful and kind,” said Hauck who was voted the viewers’ choice for LoCoSports Athlete of the Winter in 2014-2015. “They have an amazing kinesiology program, and I know I will get a great education that will prepare me for the workforce.”
A distance freestyler, Hauck will join the Division I Camels – and head coach Pascal Molinard – next fall.
The only head coach in Campbell swimming’s twelve-year program history, Molinard has the Camels off to a 5-4 start in 2015-2016 after finishing sixth at the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Championships last winter.
“I hope to add a positive attitude to the team both in the water and out, which I’ve learned is a huge aspect to swimming fast,” Hauck said.
But before she hits the water in North Carolina, Hauck has one season left with the Woodgrove Wolverines and hopes to return to the VHSL 4A state meet this winter.
Last season, Hauck helped the Lady Wolverines to a fourth place finish at the state meet while helping the Woodgrove 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays finish second and individually earning a third place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke and fourth place finish in the 200-yard freestyle.
“This winter I really hope to drop a substantial amount of time in my races, and hopefully we can win a few relays at states,” said Hauck who was named first-team All-LoCo in 2014-2015.
A self-proclaimed daddy’s girl, Hauck began swimming when she was six-years-old, following in the footsteps of her dad who also swam at a young age. Over ten years later, Hauck is still in the water staying motivated to be the best swimmer she can be.
“Swimming is such a mental sport with high-highs and low-lows, so staying positive can be very difficult, especially during tough competitions,” Hauck said. “My teammates have been so helpful over the years with keeping everyone motivated; watching them grow and becoming so much faster helps me to want to swim just as hard as they do.”