SWIMMING-DIVING

From the Blue Wave to the Green Wave: P.K. Yonge's Shahboz inks swim scholarship to Tulane

Ainslie Lee
The Gainesville Sun
P.K. Yonge's Gwen Shahboz competes in Heat 2 of the girls 100 Yard Breaststroke during the 1A FHSAA State Swimming and Diving Championship Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Sailfish Splash Waterpark in Stuart.

P.K. Yonge senior Gwen Shahboz will continue to ride the wave into college as she inked a swim scholarship with Tulane University on Wednesday afternoon — transitioning her from a member of the Blue Wave's swim team to the Green Wave's swim team. 

Having started swimming with the Blue Wave in sixth grade, Shahboz leaves behind the P.K. Yonge swim program after seven years. 

"I've had an amazing time," Shahboz said of her time at P.K. Yonge. "It's crazy. It's gone by so fast. I really love everyone here."

During her time at P.K. Yonge, Shahboz has earned a 3.8 GPA, has amassed over 400 volunteer hours and is a two-time FHSAA state finalist. She earned a fourth place in the 200 IM and sixth place in the 100 breaststroke last season. 

Shahboz's efforts in the pool garnered her the attention of multiple programs, she says. 

However, once she had an opportunity to visit Tulane, which is in New Orleans, she knew that's where she wanted to spend her college career. 

"I fell in love with the school and it's been my first choice ever since," said Shahboz, who visited Tulane in April. "New Orleans is an amazing place. I'm a drummer, I love music and there's a big music culture and food and I'm just so excited."

Once at Tulane, Shahboz plans to study business with a focus on marketing and graphic design. 

But before she gets to Tulane, Shahboz has unfinished business with the Blue Wave as she competes in the Class 1A state championships on Friday in Stuart. 

Shahboz is set to compete individually in the 200-yard IM and the 100-yard breaststroke.

"I really want to get top-three in the 100 breaststroke," Shahboz said. "I think that's really possible. Just have to go out there, try my hardest and swim as fast as I can."