Swint will not have to travel far to play her college basketball. Signing to play at Southern Union was truly a dream come true for her, as she thought her basketball career was over midway through her senior season. The senior was refreshingly honest about her highs and lows playing basketball.
“I honestly thought I wouldn’t be playing in college after I got kicked off the team, but the coach at Southern Union got in touch with my grandma,” Swint said. “That was the hardest time of my life. It taught me to be strong, to learn from my mistakes and to keep on even when my times are tough. I learned that one bad moment doesn’t define your future.”
Southern Union ended up calling her despite Swint having another offer to play college basketball.
“I had another offer from a college that was 11 hours away. I liked the school, but it was just too far,” Swint said.
Atkinson will be making her way to Montreat College in North Carolina to play her college ball. The soon-to-be Granger graduate is excited about the prospect of living in a new locale.
“Honestly, I love North Carolina, I’m excited for it,” she said. “I will miss my family, but I’m excited to start a new chapter.”
After a tough 2024-25 season, the Grangers bounced back with one of their best seasons in years in 2025-26, and the two Granger signees had a large hand in it. While their time at LaGrange High is winding down, their impact will be felt for years to come.