Hove signs with Alabama

LYNN HAVEN — And to think Victoria Hove almost quit swimming.

The Mosley High School senior standout had a struggle as a freshman where she considered walking away from the pool. Coaxing from coaches and a desire to balance the sport and her life led Hove to maintain a commitment. Her decision paid off on Wednesday, when she officially accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Alabama.

Hove was fresh off two fourth-place finishes in the Class 2A state swimming meet and celebrated her achievement in front of family and friends at the school’s Marvin McCain Technology Center. Alabama became the clear choice among a handful of destinations.

“One of the most important things is academics, they really have a high standard there,” Hove said. “The program and the people were a great fit for me. They brought me in right away.”

Hove said she felt welcome at Alabama. That wasn’t the case when she was a freshman at Mosley, which was a trying time for her at the Lynn Haven school.

“I did go through a tough time the first year or so,” Hove said. “The transition to high school was tough, all my friends were going out and doing things and I was unable to go or would have to meet them later because of the commitment to swimming. I was feeling a little left out of that high school experience.”

Mosley coach Sue Cottrill said she knew what swimming could offer Hove and gave her opinion on the matter. She knew the choice would ultimately be up to Hove, who now holds five school records.

“She had been swimming a long time, started swimming young and it takes so much time and training,” Cottrill said. “It can be hard to have an outside social life. She’s such a friendly, outgoing girl.”

Luckily for Mosley’s swimming team, and more importantly for herself, Hove regained her focus. She could see what could be provided in the future and the scholarship was one of the bonuses.

“I was able to find a way to manage my time so I could do swimming and have a life,” Hove said. “I’m glad I didn’t quit.”

That much is obvious as swimming will help pay for her education. The scholarship is not a full ride, but Hove also will receive subsidization from academics. She became the second female swimmer from Mosley to receive a Division I scholarship.

Hove gazed back fondly on her career, which included posting a time in the 200 individual medley state preliminary heat that garnered All-American consideration.

“I have no regrets, each year I improved,” Hove said. “I made friends that will be friends for the rest of my life. It’s a journey I can always look back on and be proud of.”