By Abbey Frail
News Editor
For senior swim team member Gracie Nicklas-Morris, becoming a swimmer for the Demons was a no-brainer. She was practically born in the water. Nicklas-Morris’ mother was a competitive swimmer at the University of Iowa and made sure that Gracie and her sister Emma, a sophomore at Reynolds, were comfortable in the water.
“There was no doubt I would be a swimmer,” Nicklas-Morris said. “I was first acquainted with the water at nine months old and I have continued to swim to this day.”
Nicklas-Morris’ love for the sport was fueled by her love for the tired feeling that the sport provided her. She has been wearing herself out in the pool as a member of the summer league at Sherwood for eight years and with the Demons for the last four. During her Reynolds career, Nicklas-Morris has developed a reputation as a great leader with an even better work ethic.
“She’s always at practice, even when she doesn’t have to be,” junior Kayla Ebert said. “She’s so supportive of everyone and just has a great attitude.”
Nicklas-Morris, along with fellow team captains Cory Spencer and Laura Johnson, made it a point to bring this positive attitude with her to the pool.
“Having a good work ethic and positive attitude is key to being a good leader,” said Nicklas-Morris, adding that she believes having a positive attitude can be contagious and help the overall morale of the team.
“The team is a lot of fun and they provide some extra moral support,” Nicklas-Morris said. “We have lots of team dinners. Who doesn’t love pasta?”
For Nicklas-Morris, swimming is more than just a sport: It’s a way to motivate herself to do well in school. Nicklas-Morris is taking all Advanced Placement and honors courses this year, which is especially challenging to someone as dedicated as Nicklas-Morris.
“Personally for me, sleep is a big motivator in getting school work done because I know that if I do not get enough sleep, then I won’t perform as well in the pool,” Nicklas-Morris said.
She also enjoys swimming because of the total body workout it provides, and the tired feeling it gives her. Swimming at Reynolds has also taught Nicklas-Morris a lot about perspective and how you look at things.
“I learned that it’s all about perspective and as leader, to do my best to help out my teammates and work hard,” Nicklas-Morris said. “I know RJR swimming will continue to do great things in the future.”