Jan 21, 2026 By Jonathan Guth 3 min read

Addie Ciez still has to decide what two events she wants to compete in at the WPIAL Class 2A championship meet, which may cause some trepidation, but the Laurel Highlands senior won’t have to worry about her college choice, as she made that decision in late October in committing to Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Md.

Ciez will follow in the footsteps of her sister, Ellie, who is a junior at Cleveland State.

“I made my decision to commit right after my overnight visit,” Addie Ciez said. “I really enjoyed it and could see myself going there. I got into swimming with my sister, and watching her succeed made me want to push myself and have my own success. We do our best to keep in touch.”

Ciez was not only pleased to make her collegiate choice, but felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

“I was so worried about it,” said Ciez in reference to selecting her school of choice. “It was on my mind throughout the summer, and in the beginning of the school year. It was nice to get it done before the season started.”

During her visit to Frostburg State, Ciez met the coaches and team, and those encounters influenced her decision even further.

Ciez swims multiple events for the Mustangs, but has her eyes set on the 200 IM (individual medley) at the collegiate level.

“I would love to swim the 200 IM in college,” Ciez said. “I have room to improve, but I am excited to compete in that event in college.”

As for her high school season, Ciez has to choose two events between the 200 freestyle, 200 IM, 500 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly when she competes in the WPIAL championship meet.

“It would be nice if we were able to swim more than two individual races, but once I decide what events I want to compete in, I will be able to focus solely on those two,” said Ciez.

Ciez hasn’t fully committed to what she plans on studying at Frostburg State, but she has interest in the nursing program, and could see herself majoring in chemistry. The campus is roughly one hour from home for Ciez, which is something that excites her.

“A big factor for me was being at a school that wasn’t too far away, but I could also feel like I’m in college and being independent,” Ciez said. “I can definitely make the drive home if I need to, plus my parents can attend my home meets.”

Ciez began her swimming career at the YMCA, and she started to really focus on the sport when she approached middle school.

“When I was about 12 or 13, I realized that I had some talent for the sport, and if I put my mind to it, I could go far,” Ciez said. “I have put in the time, but I also focus on my academics because I wouldn’t be allowed to swim if I didn’t do well in school. That’s not just a school rule, but it comes from my parents, too.”

Ciez enjoys lounging by the pool when she is not competing, but she has one rule.

“As long as I don’t have to swim laps, I am OK with hanging out at the pool and going to the beach,” Ciez said.