NORTH ROBINSON (Crawford County Now) — Colonel Crawford senior Brynn Bruner has officially committed to continuing her academic and athletic career at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, where she plans to swim for the Bobcats in the Sun Conference and major in education.
Bruner had UTPB (Texas), Barry (FL), Ave Maria (FL), Northern Kentucky, and Florida Southern at the top of her list before committing to STU following her senior swim season.
She was drawn to swimming year-round in the sun, quite different from her mother, Sarah Bruner, who swam at Ohio State University through Ohio’s colder weather.
“The campus, the team, and the coach made the final choice. Coach Caesar Asadi, women’s swim coach at STU, has, in six seasons, won a national title and 2 runners up and guided swimmers to over 25 National Championship titles. The amenities they have are insane and I know will let me grow to the best of my ability and feel like a family away from home,” Brynn said.
Bruner is a nine-time All-Ohioan in swimming, excelling in various relays, the 100 back, and the 200 IM. She graduated from Colonel Crawford, having broken four all-time swim records, and she still owns all four. Since 2023, she has trained year-round with the Greater Columbus Aquatics team, coached by Chris Benting, whose team has had a huge impact on her success.
“At GCSTO, it’s a big family with everyone having the goal of getting better. It is the definition of having fun while working hard. They might be one of the saddest parts to leave behind for college. It truly was the best experience, and I made my best friends and a whole new family on this team, but I know they are all so excited for me,” Bruner said.
Her mother has also coached her throughout her swimming journey, from the Bucyrus White Sharks to Colonel Crawford swim teams. Brynn credits her mentors, saying, “I am very fortunate to work with some great people, Chris Benting, Jamie Tate, Sarah Bruner, and Denise Benson. They have all played a hand in my development as a human being and an athlete. Especially my mom, who helps me through all seasons of sports and life. My parents have always tried to push me to be a multi-sport athlete and help me succeed in every way. Along with my brothers, they have constantly helped me improve — in the weight room, running alongside me, or even swimming with me in the pool. My older brother started at Otterbein University on the football team this year and seeing him do so well makes me excited for my own journey. I know there will be challenges, but I also see the potential for success. I know all I can do is try my best but being 18 hours away from my family and without their daily support will be the biggest change for me.”
Bruner lettered all four years in cross country at Colonel Crawford and Lexington High School. She was part of four state cross-country teams — two at Colonel Crawford (2022-2023) and two at Lexington (2024-2025). She earned all-league honors in cross country in both the Northern 10 and OCC for four straight years. Finishing with two 3rd-place team finishes at state in her freshman and senior year.
“Their success reminds me of running cross country and track for Lexington under legendary Coach Denise Benson. Caesar, like Benson, is intense, passionate, and driven, but also has strong relationships with his players and cares more about building the best human beings. Coach Benson’s belief in me as a person made the real difference in my confidence and the person I am today. She is truly the best coach in the area. If you are even able to just have a conversation with her, she will change your life,” Bruner said.
Bruner also lettered all four years in track. She competed in the state track meet in 2024 with Colonel Crawford. Her freshman season ended early due to MPLF knee surgery, but she returned to cross country by the end of her sophomore year and had a standout season in swimming. Throughout her high school career, she earned seven N10 & OCC track honors.
Brynn’s achievements reflect her versatility, dedication, and strong support system, setting her up for continued success at St. Thomas University — both in the pool and academically. “While I am 18 hours away from everything I know and grew up with, I am so beyond excited to go.”