(FREDERICTON, NB) Grace Smith is coming home.

Born in Fredericton to a military family, the 18-year old has spent most of her life moving from post to post. Now, she’s decided to return.

Smith has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the Reds women’s swimming team ahead of the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Having done some of my growing up in Fredericton, I have a great support system of family and friends,” said Smith. “I know the school, and out of my choices, UNB was the only one with both a great nursing program and a varsity swim team.”

Finishing her Grade 12 year at Middleton Regional High School, in Nova Scotia, Smith has been a member of the Greenwood Dolphins Swim Club since 2017.

Between 2015 and 2017, Smith’s father, a 25-year member of the Canadian Armed Forces, was posted in Australia.

While living in Australia, Smith swam with the Brisbane State High School team, as well as Brisbane’s River City Rapids Swim Club and Healthstream Swim Club.

“Swimming is as highly regarded there as hockey is here,” said Smith. “On the River City team, I swam ten times a week, for an hour and a half to two hours at a time, with an hour of dry land or gym training before. Australia was, by far, one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I was fortunate to have been able to swim there.”

Smith began her competitive swimming career with the Fredericton Aquanauts Swim Team, also known as FAST.

Her specialty events include the breaststrokes and individual medleys.

“I’m excited to be able to coach Grace again,” said Reds head coach Marta Belsh, who previously worked with Smith during their time with FAST. “With her positive mind-set, lots of energy, and a go-get-it attitude, she’ll be a great addition.”

“As a student-athlete and teammate, some of the strengths I’ll bring are a positive attitude, reliability, and commitment,” said Smith.

Smith will enter UNB’s Faculty of Nursing.