After a standout high school swimming career, Hannah Stuart signed with the growing UNC Asheville Bulldog swim squad. After just her freshman year, Stuart is proving to be a valuable sprinter for the team.
Stuart grew up in Houston, Texas with her parents Noreen and Don and older brothers Sean and Wesley. After being honored as the most improved 4-6 year old on the Sherwood Oaks Dolphins Swim Team, she fell in love with the sport and hasn’t stopped improving since.
Swimming for Stratford High School, Stuart enjoyed a successful four-year career. She was a member of the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay that placed first, set region VI-4a meet records and was honored as an All State First Team for multiple years. Stuart placed 4th in the 200 freestyle at High School Regional Championships for four years straight, earning valuable individual points. She raced to multiple top five finishes in the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly for four consecutive years at the High School Regional Championships. Stratford High School placed 6th and 7th in the Texas High School State Championship meet for Stuart’s freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively.
Stuart was a member of the national Honors Society, received Academic All-State honors in 2013 and 2014 and graduated in the top 20% of her high school class. She decided to continue her academic and athletic success at UNC Asheville.
Stuart trained sprint freestyle and butterfly as a freshman at UNC Asheville. She prepared for the 2016 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Championships throughout the regular season by racing the 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly for the Bulldogs.
At the 2016 CCSA Championships Stuart raced to multiple season and personal best times. Her 50 freestyle clocked in at 25.25, lowering her personal best. Stuart also swam a personal best time in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall at 54.77. Stuart got her third personal best time in the 100 butterfly, finishing at 1:00.42.
Stuart looks to build on her freshman season success next season.