Grace Tice honored for 2023 NCAA appearance
Written by Zach Pressnell
Bethany College honored Grace Tice '24 in between the women's and men's basketball games on Jan. 13th. Tice was presented with a ring for making an NCAA appearance in javelin this past Spring, marking the second women's track and field NCAA appearance in Bethany College history. In order to qualify for Nationals, javelin throwers must be one of the top twenty female javelin throwers for all of Division III. Grace placed in the top 20 in the country while winning the PAC Championships and breaking Bethany's record in javelin. Tice placed 17th at Nationals with a best throw of 36.05 meters.
The road to Nationals was far from an easy one for the dual sport athlete. During the preseason a year ago, Tice would undergo a serious heart surgery to correct a heart condition. Practicing, playing and being a part of athletics was a huge risk for Grace. Tice would miss a chunk of time before the season, but she would attribute her determination as to why she was able to come back and make such a big impact.
"The NCAA appearance to me was an amazing experience where I got to compete with the best female javelin throwers in the country and watch the best track athletes in the country. It truly was a dream come true. Not only was I able to attend, but I was able to represent Bethany College which was an honor," Tice said.
This NCAA ring will now be part of an impressive ring collection that Tice has put together while at Bethany. She also holds a ring from the 2022 Volleyball PAC Championship and will be awarded another PAC Championship ring for the 2023 PAC Volleyball title, but this ring for track and field holds a special place in Tice's heart.
"While both my 2022 and 2023 BCVB rings have very special places in my heart and I am truly grateful to have been blessed to be on a team with so many amazing people and players, the track ring has a different place for me. Javelin is not a team sport, and while I had countless amazing people behind me supporting me every step of the way, it was my own hard work, determination, and love for javelin that got me to where I am," Tice said.
This ring isn't the end of the road for the Bethany senior. Tice has another Spring to build upon her already impressive resume. If all goes right, she could be making another NCAA appearance a few months from now.
"Being able to throw at NCAA's was a once in a lifetime experience. However, I intend to work harder and continue to improve to hopefully beat my record and get a chance at that once in a lifetime experience again," Tice said.
