Sara McLarty
Deland High School
Impact Statement
McLarty was a 15x NCAA All American Swimmer for the University of Florida and then competed as a USA Professional Triathlete for 11 years.
Biography
McLarty was the Florida Class 3A state champion in the 200-meter individual medley and finished second in the 500-meter freestyle in 2000. A versatile athlete, she also qualified for the state championships every year in cross country and track in addition to swimming, earning All-State honors in cross country. In high school, McLarty qualified for the Junior Nationals in five events and the Senior Nationals in three events. She was also is a four-time National Iron Kids Triathlon champion.
“Athletes like Sara McLarty are among the success stories produced in high school athletics today,” NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro said. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her skills and has become one of the best swimmers not only in the state of Florida, but the entire nation, and we are proud to be honoring her.”
Also an outstanding student, McLarty ranks in the top 5 per cent of her class with a 4.06 grade-point average, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has accepted a scholarship to the University of Florida, selecting the Gators over Kentucky, Auburn, Nebraska, and North Carolina.
She qualified and participated in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials in August, and tried to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team, ultimately finishing 22nd in the 400-meter freestyle. At the 2004 Swim Team Trials, she narrowly missed the USA Olympic team by finishing 4th in the same event. In 2008, she competed at the Triathlon Olympic Team Trials, finishing in 8th position.
While attending the University of Florida, McLarty became a 15x NCAA All American for the Gators.
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