Stephanie Connell (bottom row, second from right) poses with family and coaches after signing with South Georgia State Wednesday.

TIFTON — Stephanie Connell signed to swim with South Georgia State College Wednesday, another mark of Tift County’s success in the sport.

Connell qualified for the Georgia High School Association state meet all four years of her high school career and, as a senior in 2018, helped the Swim Devils break through to the final day of competition.

She teamed with Olivia Thomas, Kirstin Murphy and Ansley Mobley to finish 18th overall in the 200 medley relay. Connell, Murphy, Karoline Ponder and Lauren Stone also had an 18th place finish in the 200 freestyle relay.

“Stephanie’s been working hard for this day,” said Tift head coach Ivey Vickers. “It’s a great day for us as a swim team.”

Connell joins Casey Hall as South Georgia State swimmers. Hall signed with the school in 2017.

During her senior season, Connell was a first team selection for Region 1. She was part of the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay teams that won region titles and she claimed an individual first place in the 100 backstroke.

Connell and teammates were the 200 freestyle relay region champions in 2017, the 400 freestyle team in 2016 and the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay champions in 2015.

“She’s been with us since sixth grade,” said Vickers. “She’s grown up in our program.”

Besides her success with the Swim Devils, Connell has been an active part of the Tiftarea Tidal Wave program.

At the Tidal Wave’s state tournament last summer, Connell was second in the 100 individual medley as an individual and one-fourth of the runner-up 200 freestyle relay team.