Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, St. Patrick’s Connor McElroy

Swimming may not always get the spotlight, but St. Patrick’s Connor McElroy is making sure his accomplishments in the pool are hard to overlook. The Fighting Irish senior captain recently wrapped up his six-year swimming career with an impressive performance at the state competition, earning two silver medals and capturing the individual state championship in the 100-yard breaststroke with a personal-best time.

For McElroy, the title was the result of years of dedication, hard work and a desire to set an example for the younger swimmers following in his footsteps.

“It’s been great to have some wonderful role models going through during my early years and trying to grow to be how I was led, trying to be a better example for the younger kids as well,” McElroy said.

St. Patrick head swim coach Paul Block said McElroy’s leadership was especially important this season, with a young roster looking for guidance.

“This year we had a really young team, and he’s been a great leader vocally and physically, just going through the actions that he needs to show the team what needs to be done,” Block said. “They follow him really well, and he’s been a great leader for the young kids.”

McElroy entered his final high school competition with a goal of winning the 100-yard breaststroke state title. According to Block, he did everything necessary to put himself in position to accomplish it. The senior embraced new exercises and techniques while maintaining a consistent presence at practice, even staying in town and continuing to train during fall break between South State and the state meet.

“He never missed a practice,” Block said. “He stayed in town, and he worked hard. I knew that it was going to happen for him. I just felt it. I was so excited.”

When it came time for his final race, McElroy admitted he felt a mix of nerves and emotions. Once he hit the water, however, his training took over.

“I was a little bit overwhelmed because I knew it would be the last race of my high school season and a little bit nervous as well,” McElroy said. “But ultimately, when I hit the water, it was all muscle memory from then on. I was just completely surprised in the end, but very glad.”

McElroy credited his family and the St. Patrick community for supporting him throughout his swimming career, making the state championship an especially meaningful way to close out his high school season. The lessons he learned in the pool have also carried over into the classroom and other areas of his life. McElroy currently holds a 4.2 GPA, has a 36 ACT super score and participates in numerous clubs. After graduation, he plans to study aerospace engineering at Auburn University, where he was accepted last week. As he prepares for the next chapter, McElroy said swimming has taught him the importance of consistency and believing in himself.

“It’s definitely taught me the importance of dedication, being there every day, putting in the work and not skipping out on practice,” McElroy said. “It’s also taught me that most of my limits are mental, and if I really put my mind to something, I can normally achieve it with a lot of hard work.”

With a state championship to close out his high school swimming career and plans to pursue aerospace engineering at Auburn, McElroy is taking the determination he developed in the pool into his next chapter.