Next Level: Charlie Harris makes it official with Piedmont University

Senior longtime swimmer Charlie Harris made his decision to swim at the next level and continue his academic career at Piedmont University. Being in the water since he was a baby, this is the natural next step for him.

"I grew up on Lake Rabun and first swam at about a year old," says Harris. "In 2017, I took my first competition swim lesson at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center. Since then, I have been a middle school captain for TFS and have been a varsity swimmer for all four years of high school."

While he makes the leap from high school to college, he's heading less than 20 miles down the road to nearby Piedmont. The Lions are an NCAA DIII member and reside in the Collegiate Conference of the South in most sports, but in the Independent South Swimming Conference for swimming. Like continuing his pursuit in competitive swimming was natural, so too was the place he chose to go.

"Both of my parents went to Piedmont, and after touring the campus I loved everything I saw," says Harris on why he chose to be a part of Teddy Guyer's program. "I met some great professors and students, and I could 100% see myself in that environment."

Harris, who resides in Toccoa, has been an integral part of the back-to-back GIAA State Championship swim teams for Tallulah Falls. 

"I am excited to thank all of my amazing swim coaches throughout the years — Coach Cochran, Coach Wyatt and Stephanie, Coach Kafsky, Coach Reid, Coach Mike, Coach Butler, Coach Rachel, Coach Borchers, Coach Henry, Coach Griffis, and Coach Hanifan-Wagner. I'd like to thank my outstanding strength coaches, Coach Johnston, Coach Hansen, and Coach Stockel. I'd like to thank the best trainers on this side of the Mississippi, Coach Reid Kafsky and Miss Laney Olsen. I'd also like to thank our school's athletic directors Mr. Scott Neal and Mr. Greg Neeley. I thank Coach Guyer for this amazing opportunity he's given me. And finally, I thank God. God has never left me, during the good times and the bad. He never left me, even at times when I ignored Him. I wouldn't be who I am, or where I am without the Lord. I carry my faith with me as I start my journey with Piedmont University. I know that His right hand will hold me fast (Isaiah 41:10) and that Jesus Christ is Lord. My identity is in Him and that gives me confidence nothing can take away."

Harris becomes the 11th swimmer from TFS to go on to compete at the next level, and the 115th all-time Next Level athlete. He will be honored along with all other signees from the class of 2026 in May at the annual Next Level Signing Ceremony.