Avery Williams stood still as he tried to focus on the water. The smell of chlorine always had a calming effect on him. He could never explain why, so whenever asked by reporters or coaches he just shrugged and smiled.

The Mountain Pointe High School Athletics wing was definitely going to be missed. The Olympic sized pool was a school staple and many of Avery's nationally recognized awards hung on the wall. Coach John and his fellow teammates brought such joy to the sport, which he couldn't guarantee would continue if he pursued it outside of high school.

His parents were beyond shocked that he was not joining Texas University's...