Paris Thornburg '21: A Journey of Grit and Reinvention
Most athletes spend their lives mastering a single craft. For Paris ‘21, the journey to becoming a Division I powerhouse at the University of Tennessee (UT) was anything but linear. It was a path defined by "controlling the controllables," a lesson she first learned as a multi-sport athlete at Highland School.
The Highland Foundation: More Than a Specialist
Paris arrived at Highland in 6th grade with a passion for swimming, but her parents insisted she remain well-rounded. Instead of specializing early, she spent her middle and upper school years running cross country and playing basketball and soccer, only starting competitive swimming in 9th grade.
In hindsight, this was a blessing. "While my friends who had been competing since age eight burnt out, I didn't," Paris says. "I hadn't even peaked yet."
Highland provided the rigorous environment she needed to balance athletics with academics. She credits teachers like Mr. Ross, whose Highland Writing Handbook she still uses today, and Ms. Ziegler, whose Human Anatomy class sparked a lifelong interest in biology. "Highland is special," Paris reflects. "I felt independent but supported. The classes were rigorous, and we had to make decisions about how to spend our time and when to ask for help. It gave me a baseline of confidence."
A Sudden Change of Course
Paris initially chose Berry College, a small D3 school, to balance her studies with competitive swimming. However, a coaching change after her sophomore year left her at a crossroads. Seeking a fresh start, she transferred to University of Tennessee.
She continued swimming at the club level, but missed the high-stakes competitive edge. While working out in the gym one day, a stranger approached her with an unexpected question: "Have you ever heard of rowing?" That stranger was the UT rowing team's recruitment coach.
The Walk-On Wonder
Paris joined over 100 hopefuls in a grueling two-week tryout. She had never picked up an oar, but she possessed something coaches couldn't teach: years of Highland grit and the powerhouse engine of a competitive swimmer.
Her impact was immediate. By her junior year, she secured a spot in the 3v8 boat and received the teams' newcomer award. as a senior, she earned a permanent seat in the prestigious 1v4 (First Varsity Four) boat, eventually fighting through three days of grueling races to reach the NCAA Grand Final, placing 6th in the country.
"I went from a D3 swimmer to a D1 rower on one of the best teams in the country," Paris says. "Even though I didn't know how to row at first, I just showed up every day and took everything in. My teammates saw I was there to work."
A Historic Finale
Paris's final season with the Lady Vols cemented her place in Tennessee athletic history. Heading into the 2026 SEC Championships, UT earned a No. 3 national ranking. The conference title came down to a thrilling final race against Texas, a powerhouse program that had won 10 consecutive conference titles. In a spectacular finish, Tennessee's First Varsity 8 defeated Texas by less than two seconds, securing the first-ever SEC Championship in program history.
Though line-up rotations meant Paris didn't row in the final NCAA races, she traveled on the championship roster to support her squad as they tied their program-best finish, placing third in the nation. For Paris, the true reward was the culture and the shared journey of getting the team to the podium.
"I couldn't be more grateful for my time at Tennessee," Paris says, looking back on her collegiate career. "Being part of this program has been an unforgettable experience, and I will always be proud to be a Lady Vol."
Life Beyond the Water
Paris graduated from UT with a degree in Biology (Global Health focus) and is persuing a graduate certificate in Emergency Management. When she isn't on the water, she serves her community as a certified EMT in both Virginia and Tennessee, preferring, she notes, to drive the ambulance rather than ride in the back.
Looking back at her Highland peers, Paris feels an immense sense of pride. Whether it's seeing Angelo Brizzi '21 on SportsCenter, watching Kohanna McCrary '21 release music, or celebrating Abby Soltys '21 passing her CPA exam, she remains deeply connected to her roots. "Everyone is doing such cool stuff, and it makes me proud of where I came from."
Back
Paris arrived at Highland in 6th grade with a passion for swimming, but her parents insisted she remain well-rounded. Instead of specializing early, she spent her middle and upper school years running cross country and playing basketball and soccer, only starting competitive swimming in 9th grade.
In hindsight, this was a blessing. "While my friends who had been competing since age eight burnt out, I didn't," Paris says. "I hadn't even peaked yet."
Highland provided the rigorous environment she needed to balance athletics with academics. She credits teachers like Mr. Ross, whose Highland Writing Handbook she still uses today, and Ms. Ziegler, whose Human Anatomy class sparked a lifelong interest in biology. "Highland is special," Paris reflects. "I felt independent but supported. The classes were rigorous, and we had to make decisions about how to spend our time and when to ask for help. It gave me a baseline of confidence."
A Sudden Change of Course
Paris initially chose Berry College, a small D3 school, to balance her studies with competitive swimming. However, a coaching change after her sophomore year left her at a crossroads. Seeking a fresh start, she transferred to University of Tennessee.
She continued swimming at the club level, but missed the high-stakes competitive edge. While working out in the gym one day, a stranger approached her with an unexpected question: "Have you ever heard of rowing?" That stranger was the UT rowing team's recruitment coach.
The Walk-On Wonder
Paris joined over 100 hopefuls in a grueling two-week tryout. She had never picked up an oar, but she possessed something coaches couldn't teach: years of Highland grit and the powerhouse engine of a competitive swimmer.
Her impact was immediate. By her junior year, she secured a spot in the 3v8 boat and received the teams' newcomer award. as a senior, she earned a permanent seat in the prestigious 1v4 (First Varsity Four) boat, eventually fighting through three days of grueling races to reach the NCAA Grand Final, placing 6th in the country.
"I went from a D3 swimmer to a D1 rower on one of the best teams in the country," Paris says. "Even though I didn't know how to row at first, I just showed up every day and took everything in. My teammates saw I was there to work."
A Historic Finale
Paris's final season with the Lady Vols cemented her place in Tennessee athletic history. Heading into the 2026 SEC Championships, UT earned a No. 3 national ranking. The conference title came down to a thrilling final race against Texas, a powerhouse program that had won 10 consecutive conference titles. In a spectacular finish, Tennessee's First Varsity 8 defeated Texas by less than two seconds, securing the first-ever SEC Championship in program history.
Though line-up rotations meant Paris didn't row in the final NCAA races, she traveled on the championship roster to support her squad as they tied their program-best finish, placing third in the nation. For Paris, the true reward was the culture and the shared journey of getting the team to the podium.
"I couldn't be more grateful for my time at Tennessee," Paris says, looking back on her collegiate career. "Being part of this program has been an unforgettable experience, and I will always be proud to be a Lady Vol."
Life Beyond the Water
Paris graduated from UT with a degree in Biology (Global Health focus) and is persuing a graduate certificate in Emergency Management. When she isn't on the water, she serves her community as a certified EMT in both Virginia and Tennessee, preferring, she notes, to drive the ambulance rather than ride in the back.
Looking back at her Highland peers, Paris feels an immense sense of pride. Whether it's seeing Angelo Brizzi '21 on SportsCenter, watching Kohanna McCrary '21 release music, or celebrating Abby Soltys '21 passing her CPA exam, she remains deeply connected to her roots. "Everyone is doing such cool stuff, and it makes me proud of where I came from."
Highland School is a co-ed independent Pre-K2 to Grade 12 day school located in Warrenton, Virginia.
597 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, Virginia 20186
General: 540-878-2700 | Fax: 540-878-2731 | Admission: 540-878-2740
journey@highlandschool.org
General: 540-878-2700 | Fax: 540-878-2731 | Admission: 540-878-2740
journey@highlandschool.org
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