FZN Senior Averi Meade recently signed with the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) located in Normandy. Meade was a stand-out swimmer for the Panthers the last 4 seasons. A sprint specialist, Meade qualified for the state competition in each of her 4 years at North High, participating in both sprint relays, the medley relay and 50 freestyle. This past season, as member of the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams, Meade helped break two long-standing school records. Meade also captured multiple conference titles (GAC North/Central) in the 50 freestyle and a bevy of conference medals from her various events. A team leader, she served as the Panther’s team captain this past season. In addition to her prowess in the pool, Meade is an excellent student sporting an impressive 4.1 GPA. For her efforts, she was placed on the GAC “All-Academic” team in each of her four seasons. Outside of the high school season, Meade competes for the Stingray Swim Club out of St. Peters.
UMSL is a NCAA Division 2-member school that competes in athletics as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. This past season, the Tritons women’s team recorded a school-record number of points at the conference meet. At UMSL, Meade plans to major in business. She has been accepted to the “Honors” college at UMSL. Meade indicated the she was attracted to UMSL due the school’s close proximity to O’Fallon, as well as the Triton coaching staff. Meade is the daughter of Hardeman and Tamara Meade.