Grinnell College Athletics

Claire M. Williams ’13 is one of the most accomplished and inspirational Pioneer athletes ever. A four-year Midwest Conference competitor, she was elected team captain for her senior year and voted team most inspirational in 2012. Williams demonstrated an incredible dedication to her sport and served as a role model for her peers, teammates and coaches throughout her time at Grinnell. Her career highlights included qualifying for the U.S. Paralympic Trials where she participated in multiple events in the S9 category including the 200-meter butterfly, 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter backstroke and 400-meter freestyle. Over the course of her career, she held American records for five different short course yards events in the S9 category: 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle, 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly. Even more, her 200 butterfly time at the 2012 Paralympic Trials was the best in the world at the time. She was awarded the Grace McIlrath Parker ’11 Award for outstanding athlete in a single sport for her accomplishments in 2013. Outside of the pool, Williams demonstrated a similar commitment to excellence in her studies. She was a double major in chemistry and French, earned academic all-conference recognition three times and was a frequent member of the Dean’s List. After graduating with honors in chemistry, Williams worked as a lab assistant at the Illinois State Water Survey and earned a J.D. Degree from the University of Minnesota, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She has continued to swim competitively after leaving Grinnell and remains connected with the College’s community through donations and reunion attendance.