Brett Hayford, Athletic Director and defensive football coach at Pine Lake Prep, and student-athlete Grace McCarthy joined Good Morning LKN to talk about the role athletics can play in developing students both in competition and beyond. Grace shared her journey from learning to swim as a child to competing with SwimMAC Carolina and receiving support through Harvard’s admissions process, while Hayford discussed Pine Lake Prep’s focus on respect, responsibility, commitment, and building well-rounded student-athletes.

They also talked about Pine Lake Prep’s Wells Fargo Cup recognition, the support behind Grace’s journey, and what it takes to balance high-level athletics, academics, family, and friendships.

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