Dream Come True for Chattahoochee Gold Swimmer

After 8 years competing & excelling for her club team Chattahoochee Gold, Elizabeth Isakson is ready to take the next step, committing to swim for the University of Georgia.

"I chose UGA because of their incredibly successful swim program, the coaches, and the amazing academics. I’ve always known that UGA is where I want to be, so to me, this decision was simple. And that feeling when you’ve achieved your greatest goal is unlike any other. When you know what you want, you have to go after it no matter how much work and effort it’ll take. There were times when I didn’t think I could do it and it was tough, but I tried new things, focused on the positives, and believed in myself.

"I think UGA chose to offer me because of my ability to balance great academics, athletics, and extracurriculars that have allowed me to grow as a leader, a swimmer, and a person in all other aspects of life."

Elizabeth, a junior at Marietta's Walton High School, has a plan come Fall 2022: "At UGA, I want to be a part of the team competing at dual meets and championship meets. But, I really want to grow as a swimmer in ways that allow me to learn new things and challenge me to be better. I expect to be competing in the breaststroke events, the 200 IM, and maybe some freestyle."

Looking back on her tenure with Chattahoochee Gold, Elizabeth is grateful for all the team has done for her, with one coach in particular. "Gold has provided me with the most incredible teammates and coaches that have never failed to encourage me every step of the way. My teammates have given me constant support and I am so grateful and lucky to have found such a great group of people to surround myself with at meets and practices. As for coaches, Gold has blessed me with the most amazing coaches that have made me who I am today. Every coach along the way has contributed to helping me become who I am, but words can’t even describe how thankful I am for my current coach, Coach Mike. His advice and coaching was so helpful during this process, but he also just instilled this confidence in me that lacked in past years. I don’t think I would be the person or swimmer I am today if it wasn’t for him."

Coach Mike Wardwell says Elizabeth is ready for the challenge of competing at a premier Division I school. "Elizabeth is a swimmer who has always pursued her dream of swimming for the University of Georgia. Not only will she bring a tremendous workout ethic and great attitude with her to Athens, but she will also bring amazing leadership qualities."

Her proudest accomplishments with Chattahoochee Gold include competing in the 2019 NCSA Junior National Championships and breaking team records in 14&U 200 and 400 Freestyle relays. "To break a team record is a great feeling, but getting to do it as part of a relay along with my teammates is the most amazing part about it."

"But it's also been the little things that make me love this team so much like the team breakfasts, poster making for the younger kids, or the travel trips in the fall and summer. I look back at photos and videos from those memories and I feel grateful for this team. And I still have one and a half more years to make so many more great memories to tack on!"

Elizabeth plans to study Sports Media & Journalism at UGA.

goldswim.com