Mia Rankin was raised a swimmer. Her mother Maureen was an All-American swimmer at the University of Arizona and coached swimming at Xavier before she passed away last season. Mia’s father Mark was a longtime swimmer and currently coaches at Xavier.

Mark said swimming has become as important to Mia as it is to him.

“It matters to her. It became her passion and it has been incredible to see her progress and really want to go somewhere in the sport,” Mark said.

Coach Jennifer James believes part of Mia’s success is owed to her parents and first coaches.

“Her dedication not only in the pool but out of the pool is a testament to her parents who were great swimmers in their own right,” James said. “Her mom would be very proud of her.”

Last season as a freshman, Mia competed in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle and qualified for the state championship meet. She ended up placing third in the medley and second in the freestyle. The Gators went on to win the meet to secure the team’s first state championship since 2012.

Mia said her team was overcome with emotion in what was a fitting end to a rollercoaster of a season.

“It was amazing. All of us were crying, after what happened with my mom,” Mia said.

James said Mia was unwavered by the pressure of swimming at the state championship as a freshman and the tragedy of losing her mother.

“She stepped up and that’s her. She’s strong and has such an amazing character and strength,” James said. “It was really amazing to see what she did.”

James and Mia's father believe she Mia will be a strong competitor as she progresses through the higher levels of swimming.

“She should have her [Olympic] trial cuts this summer,” Mark said.

James believes Mia will be successful at the college level as well.

“She’s really strong academically and athletically so it will be exciting to see where she ends up,” Coach James said.

Mia’s formal recruitment will not begin until next season but she is looking forward to the next level and enjoying her remaining time at Xavier.

“We have a really good team and it’s a lot of fun to be with these girls,” Mia said.