DeMaat DeVries, Gwen (2016)

The swimming accomplishments of Gwen DeMaat DeVries comprise a very lengthy list. She was one of the very best high school swimmers locally and nationally, and her college career continued that same level of excellence. Among Gwen’s favorite memories of her days as at GRCH are hanging out with her friends on the swim team, and having her sisters, Joan and Beth, as her coaches for her high school career.

At GRCH, Gwen was a 6-time State Champion, winning the 200 IM in ’83, the 200 Freestyle in ’84 and’85, and the 500 Freestyle for three consecutive seasons, ’83 through ’85. Gwen set three state records in the ’85 State Championship Meet, winning two individual events and swimming the lead lap of the 4×100 Freestyle Relay. She was the State of Michigan Class B Swimmer of the Year in ’83, ’84, and ’85, as well as being named MHSAA All-American those same years. She was undefeated in every individual race in her high school career, setting records in local and state races. Remarkably, she has five records here at GRCH that still stand, and those in a sport in which records are often very short-lived. While in high school, Gwen competed in the ’84 Olympic trials, as well as becoming the National Junior Olympic Champion in the 200 Freestyle.

Gwen’s accomplishments at the University of Michigan are equally impressive. She was a 6-time Big Ten conference champion in three events in ’87 and three again in ’89. In ’87, she became the first UM Women’s Swimmer to earn Big Ten Swimmer of the Year honors. She was named NCAA Honorable Mention in ’87 and ’89, and was an NCAA All-American in one event in ’88 and two events in ‘89. She was an All-Big Ten First Team selection in ’87, ’89, and ’90, while setting several Big Ten records and UM records. She still holds the 6th-best UM time in the 500 Freestyle and 7th-best UM time in the 1650 Freestyle. Gwen competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials in three events; her best finish was 10th in the 400 IM.

Among other accolades, Gwen was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Gwen and husband Dave (a fellow GRCH alumnus) have three sons, Jack, Benjamin, and Mark. Gwen serves as the Director of the Board at Walker Charter Academy, where their two youngest sons attend.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9