Falls Church Swimmer Signs With Virginia Tech

Laura Schwartz mulled over the offers from several college programs but in the end, the Falls Church High swimmer signed with Virginia Tech.

The senior considered James Madison University, University of South Carolina, the College of William and Mary and the United States Naval Academy. The other schools intrigued Schwartz but one thing stood out more at Virginia Tech.

“When I visited, I liked the spirit they had and the atmosphere,” Schwartz said Friday at a signing ceremony at the school. “They built a new pool for their swimmers a couple years ago.”

Schwartz, a National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association All-American athlete, maintains a 3.9 GPA in her studies. Currently, she holds Falls Church High records in the individual 50, 100, 200 and 500 Freestyle as well as records in the team 200 and 400 Freestyle and the 200 Medley. Schwartz earned individual championships in the 500 Freestyle and the 200 Medley in last years regional meet.

Jill Schwartz didn’t mind where her daughter signed, as long as she was happy. Even if that meant Laura signed with the South Carolina Gamecocks. The beaming mom shrugged at the possibility of having to drive to South Carolina, where Laura's grandparents live.

“It’s good to have her close by,” Jill said. “We’re very proud of her. She works very hard.”

With her college of choice out of the way, Schwartz is focused on the upcoming swim season. The individual records and accomplishments pushed aside, Schwartz has bigger plans for this season.

“It would be nice if we could win a state title this year,” she said.