Plant City senior swimmer Bailey Bowden is getting a jump on her recruiting.

Bowden, a top eight finisher in the 500 free as a junior, will balance her senior swim season with four planned trips; South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Arkansas.

"I am really excited, but nervous at the same time," said Bowden. "I am leaning on my family for advice."

Her uncle Bud Bowden played football at the University of Florida, her cousin Katie Bowden was an All-American swimmer at South Carolina and Nebraska and her grandfather played football at Georgia Tech.

"They have told me to be myself and put my best foot forward," said Bowden.

Bowden, like most club swimmers, look forward to their high school swim season, which gives them the chance to swim with different people and to support their school. 

"I hope to end my prep career with a top five finish this year at the FHSAA State Championships and to get a Raiders' relay to states."