An Eden Prairie High School synchronized swimmer recently joined elite company by competing in the USA Artistic Swimming National and Junior Championships.
On April 10, Eden Prairie High School junior Grace Proper was one of 32 swimmers from the United States and Canada competing in the Junior Solo Free division at a meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, as a member of the Minnesota Synchronettes.
A solo journey
Solo synchronized swimming requires athletes to display artistry and strength as they match their movements to the music.
That can be harder than performing with teammates in the water, according to Proper.
“It’s definitely a different mindset because you’re out there alone and you have to synchronize with the music and you have to synchronize with yourself,” she said.
“You have to be more angelic. You have to do different movements that you cannot do with a team because it’s too hard to synchronize,” she added.
Proper’s routine at the national championship was set to the song “Don’t Mess Me Around.” She had worked on the routine since late last summer.
Practice for team events in synchronized swimming can be arduous, but Proper said training for solo routines is even more taxing.
“My solo practices are like four hours sometimes,” she said.
There are many times when Proper, a captain of the EPHS synchronized swimming team, is in the pool practicing or competing seven days a week.
“Grace is a very talented and hardworking swimmer,” said Faith Cornish, co-head coach of the EPHS synchronized swimming team.
How does an athlete manage such a demanding schedule?
It helps if – like Proper – you really love your sport.
A dedicated athlete
Proper started competitive swimming when she was about 4. She also did dance, but got bored with just dancing. So she asked her mom, Stephanie, if she could combine the two.
Her mom told her “That’s already a thing,” Proper said with a laugh. A love of synchronized swimming was born.
“I loved it right away,” Proper said. “I knew it’s what I wanted to do.”
Other areas of excellence
The pool isn’t the only place where Proper shines. This past winter, she was named one of EPHS’s 2024-25 ExCEL Award winners. The ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership) Award is presented by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to high school juniors.
Proper is also a Girl Scout. For her Gold Award project, she partnered with Eden Prairie schools and a local animal shelter to help dogs get adopted.
Hoping for a return to the state meet
With the Eagles, Proper is looking to return to the MSHSL State Tournament after placing in both solo and team events at last year’s tournament.
As she continues her work with her high school teammates and the Synchronettes, it’s a safe bet you will find Proper in the pool.
“It’s like my therapy,” she said.
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