Senior Isaac Smith signed to Sterling College on Dec. 10 to swim.

“I really like the environment there,” Smith said. “It was a pretty chill place to be, and I thought it was cool that everyone knew each other.”

Smith said the college made him feel comfortable, and after signing, he said he felt extremely happy that he made the right choice.

“I would tell people in the same situation to get started early, to not put it off for four years like I did,” Smith said. “Take your time to find the right fit; don’t just fly through it and choose the first one you find.”

Smith had to choose between multiple colleges, such as University of Saint Mary and Pennsylvania State.

He found out about Sterling through a friend who also graduated from Hays High, Scout Perryman. Perryman also signed to Sterling for swimming.

“They definitely have a strong program,” Smith said. “I think it is getting better every year.”

20ahillebrand@usd489.com