TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State swimming & diving is introducing a new feature series as the Sycamores dive into highlighting and showcasing their alumni, where they are now, and what advice they have for the team.
 
The Sycamores open the series with 2024 graduate Jordan Gruce as she continues her education at the University of Montana Law School with plans to graduate in 2027.
 
What years did you attend Indiana State?
I attended Indiana State from 2020-2024.
 
What was your degree(s) in at Indiana State?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice.
 
Where are you currently now and what are you doing (career-wise)?
I currently live in Missoula, Montana, where I am in my second year of law school at the University of Montana's Alexander Blewett III School of Law. I also am a law clerk at Garlington, Lohn & Robinson, PLLP, a civil law firm in Missoula.
 
How did your time at Indiana State prepare you for your current career path?
During my time as a student-athlete at Indiana State, I had to balance my time and energy between my personal athletic and academic responsibilities, two part-time employment positions within the athletic department, and volunteer work with psychology professor Kevin Bolinskey. The time management skills and work ethic that I developed as a result have greatly helped me manage the intense demands of law school, and will continue to assist me as I begin working in the legal field. Additionally, facing adversity in athletics with such supportive coaches and teammates really helped me grow as a person and instilled in me the confidence of knowing that I can work through any difficult task I must face - whether it be a daunting reading assignment, exam, or brief. Being a student-athlete also allowed me to connect with a wide variety of people and personalities, which has made networking with other law students and legal professionals easier and more fun!
 
How did your time on the Indiana State swimming and diving team impact your time with the Sycamores?
My time on the Indiana State swimming and diving team had a profound impact on my overall experience at Indiana State. As an out-of-state student far from home, the transition to college was nerve-wracking, but being part of the team gave me an immediate sense of community. The team quickly became like a second family to me, and those relationships helped make campus feel like home. I had the opportunity to connect with athletes from different sports, too, which made going to other athletic events even more fun, and I am grateful to still be in contact with many of those people. The support from the athletic staff and academic advisors was also invaluable. They worked closely with us to help manage our demanding meet schedules, ensuring that we stayed on track academically and were prepared for our future careers. That level of care and understanding made a huge difference in my college experience and helped me end up where I am today.
 
What were some of your favorite memories with the team?
The Florida training trip in 2022 was a big highlight for me. Even though we were working hard in the pool every day of that trip, we got to do so many fun things as a team outside of training, like going to an escape room and to Top Golf (which was very comical with a bunch of swimmers). Staying in a house with 10 of our teammates was also such a great opportunity for us to bond and learn more about each other, and I really cherish the conversations we got to have during that time. Even outside of that trip, memorable things just naturally happen when you stick a group of swimmers together for a long period of time—I have so many fond memories from travel trips, practices, and even just hanging out at each other's apartments throughout my four years at ISU.
 
What advice would you have for the current team member as they continue to progress through college and look ahead to the future?
Enjoy the small moments! It is easy to wish for the end of the season to come quickly when Josh is making you do best average 200 test sets and the like, but really nothing compares to being a collegiate athlete. Those four years will fly by before you know it, and the relationships and memories that you create during your time on the team will last a lifetime. So even on the days when your shoulders ache with soreness and you can't wait until you don't have to wake up at 5 every morning, it is really important to live in the moment and find something to smile about, because one day you will miss getting to spend all that time with your girls.
 
Have you been able to keep in touch with former teammates, coaches - and if so, when's the last time you've seen/spoke/hung out with them?
I am very grateful to still be in contact with many of my former teammates and Coach Josh. It was really fun to attend Senior nNight last year and catch up with many of the swimmers, and I make an effort to call several of my closest teammates whenever I need a brain break from legal reading. I am extremely grateful for my lasting friendship with ISU diving alum and my former roommate, Sierra Bowman. She recently moved to Colorado, and I am really looking forward to making her visit me in Montana now that she lives so much closer! I'm also super appreciative for the effort Josh puts into remaining connected with his alumni—it is always nice to get a text from him checking in on how I'm doing.
 
What does the future hold for you moving forward?
After I graduate from law school in 2027, I will be taking (and hopefully passing!) the bar exam. I am currently interested in becoming a criminal prosecutor or practicing in the civil sphere of medical malpractice, though I am keeping my mind open to any opportunities that come my way. Wherever I end up, I'll be repping my white and blue when conference champs roll around!
 
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