Seniors Chase Lanie and Grant Hoffman represented Liberty High School at states for swim this season. Both athletes have unique journeys in the sport, and their performances at states highlight years of commitment. Chase has been swimming for 14 years. He first started swimming when he saw his sister swimming and decided to try it. When Chase tried swimming for the first time, he fell in love with it and continued the sport through high school. Grant has been swimming for 4 years. He first got into swimming when he met the swim coach and his friends on the team. After that, he was convinced to join the swim team and that started Hoffman’s career with swimming.
Chase prepares for meets and states by practicing non stop on and off the swimming season. He never gives up and is always pushing himself to beat his times. Chase’s mom is the swim coach and so that helps Chase get extra one-on-one time but Chase said, ”Although my mom helps me and pushes me to be the best I can be, people think I’m as good as I am all because of her and I do give her credit. However, I am where I am today because of my hard work and dedication”. Grant also puts in 
lots of work to get where he is today. Hoffman stays dedicated to practices and keeps his attitude high. He stays motivated on and off the swim season. Grant does lots of workouts so when the season starts he is ready and prepared. Chase gets supported by his friends and his family by using encouraging words and hyping him up after every meet or practice. Grant’s coach and friends support him and motivate him to never give up and keep trying.The support system helps Hoffman by reminding him how far he’s come.
Chase and Grant were the only 2 boys at Liberty that went to states. Laine placed 3rd place in the 100 freestyle and he had been working to get there for 3 whole years. Laine also placed 6th in the 100 backstroke. Chase has broken Liberty’s record from 2008. Chase felt very inspired by this and was very impressed with himself and very proud because he has worked so hard on breaking this record. Chase did not only break the school record but he broke his own. He cut down his time by 5.5 seconds from when he was a sophomore in high school. Grant placed 14th in states and he was very proud of himself and surprised and he worked hard to deserve his spot.
Chase and Grant both said the atmosphere at states was very different from meets they met new people and saw how much more competitive and felt a lot more pressure then at meets.They thought it was very cool and different they felt so important and like they were meant to be there.
Looking ahead, Chase is still considering his future in swimming, keeping his options open. Grant plans to continue his swimming career at Randolph-Macon College, eager to build on his success at Liberty.
Both athletes shared advice for younger swimmers. Chase emphasized the importance of dedication: “If you’re going to be a swimmer, you need to stick with it and be ready for hard work.” Grant encouraged balancing effort with enjoyment: “Have fun, never give up, and work hard.”
Chase Lanie and Grant Hoffman’s accomplishments this season are a testament to their talent, perseverance, and the strong support system around them. Liberty High School can be proud of its representatives making waves at the state level.
