Megan Topping/MDN Ava Williamson and her parents after signing with St. Thomas University’s Swim and Dive program on Tuesday, November 19 at Minot High School.

Ava Williamson signed with St. Thomas University’s Swim and Dive team on Tuesday, November 19 at Minot High School.

Williamson, who has been swimming for the Minot High Swim Team since seventh grade talked about what led up to her final decision.

“Both athletically and academically, it was a good fit,” Williamson said. “I loved the facilities and the coaches and they have good programs for what I’m interested in.”

Williamson plans on double majoring in political science and biology and believes that school-wise St. Thomas was the best fit.

Williamson’s favorite individual memory from her last six years with the Minot High swim team was winning the state championship title as a sophomore for the 200-meter individual medley.

As a team, Williamson said that her favorite memory was being Western Dakota Association (WDA) champions a few times during her high school career.

Williamson is most excited about the new competition at the collegiate level.

“Swimming in North Dakota isn’t huge so new athletes and teams [to compete with] is exciting,” said Williamson.

Williamson thanked her head coach Emily Jensen for guiding her since she was in seventh grade along with her teammates and family.