{"id":429745,"date":"2020-05-01T06:57:36","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T13:57:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=429745"},"modified":"2020-05-01T06:57:36","modified_gmt":"2020-05-01T13:57:36","slug":"ball-state-rounds-up-2021-in-state-verbal-from-juniors-qualifier-gracey-payne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/ball-state-rounds-up-2021-in-state-verbal-from-juniors-qualifier-gracey-payne\/","title":{"rendered":"Ball State Rounds Up 2021 In-State Verbal from Juniors Qualifier Gracey Payne"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW COMMIT:\u00a0<\/strong>Ball State University has received a new verbal commitment for the 2021-22 season and beyond from in-state standout\u00a0Gracey Payne\u00a0<\/strong>of Franklin, Ind.<\/p>\n

She’ll join fellow Hoosier native Lilia Newkirk<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>as a member of the Cardinals’ class of 2025 in Muncie.<\/p>\n

She told\u00a0Swimming World:<\/em><\/p>\n

“I am super excited to announce my verbal commitment to Ball State University where I will continue my academic and swimming career. Ball State immediately felt like home and I\u2019m looking forward to being a part of the Cardinal family in 2021! Thank you to Coach J and everyone that helped me through the process of making this decision. GO CARDS! Chirp Chirp!”<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A talented sprinter, Payne swims year-round with Franklin Regional Swim Team and owns the Winter Juniors cut in the 50 free. She raced two events at Juniors East in 2018 and recorded a pair of lifetime bests at the 2018 Indiana LCM Senior Championships.<\/p>\n

Her best times include:<\/p>\n