Oakland University Athletics mourns the loss of Grace Nolan, a Golden Grizzly whose impact extended far beyond competition. A dedicated student, talented distance runner, and aspiring physician, she spent her time at Oakland pushing herself to reach her goals while finding ways to give back to others.
 

Grace made an impression on everyone who crossed paths with her. She worked hard, cared deeply about others, and approached life with a determination that carried her through some of her toughest moments. At Oakland University, she was known not only for what she accomplished, but for the person she was and the relationships she built.

"Of all the athletes that have walked through these doors, Grace has touched my heart more than anyone," said Jennifer Swiatowy, Associate Athletic Director for Administration and Senior Woman Administrator at Oakland University. "It has truly been the greatest pleasure of my career to watch her grow."

Grace's legacy at Oakland University lives on through the teammates, coaches, classmates, and staff who had the privilege of knowing her.

Grace joined Oakland University in 2019 as a freshman on the women' s cross country team. A native of Clarkston, Michigan, she arrived with a passion for running and a goal of pursuing a career in medicine.
 

Her journey as a student-athlete was not always easy. After stepping away from competition for medical reasons during her first two years at Oakland, Grace returned to training and worked her way back with unwavering determination. She went on to earn Horizon League Cross Country All-Conference First Team honors in three consecutive years, from 2022 through 2024, establishing herself as one of the most accomplished distance runners in program history. In the spring of 2025, Grace reached another milestone at the Horizon League Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She won the 10,000-meter race and set a new championship meet record.

Reflecting on the performance, Grace described it as "like a fairy tale ending."
 

Her success on the track reflected the persistence she brought to everything she pursued in life.

Grace studied biomedical sciences at Oakland, preparing for a future in medicine. After graduating, she continued her education at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Her dedication to caring for others extended beyond the classroom through her volunteer work. She served as a phlebotomist at the Fern Care Free Clinic and Gary Bernstein Community Health Clinic. She also volunteered with the Michigan Senior Olympics, Lighthouse of Oakland County, and Girls on the Run, where she helped young girls discover a love for running. Her dedication to serving others earned her individual community service awards at Oakland's Black and Gold Awards in both 2022 and 2023.
 

In 2025, Grace received the Horizon League's Cecil N. Coleman Medal of Honor, recognizing excellence in academics and athletics. She also received the women's Hollie L. Lepley Award at Oakland's Black and Gold Awards, which recognizes athletic achievement, academic excellence, and community service. That same year, she was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes graduating female student-athletes for their achievements in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership.
 

When asked about her NCAA Woman of the Year nomination, Grace spoke about the relationships she built and the people who supported her throughout her time at Oakland.

"Being a student-athlete at Oakland University allowed me to build meaningful connections with others on my campus and in the community, and become involved in a variety of athletic, academic, and extracurricular pursuits," Grace said. "I want to thank everyone who supported me through periods of struggle and success, helping me to grow as a person and an athlete over the last six years."
 

Grace's words reflect the gratitude she carried for the people who stood beside her throughout her journey. Even as she worked tirelessly toward her own goals, she recognized the role others played in helping her grow, both as an athlete and as a person.
 

Oakland University Athletic Director Steve Waterfield said this when reflecting on the remarkable character Grace demonstrated during her time at Oakland. "I think one of the most rewarding aspects of serving as an athletic director is being around student-athletes during a transformational time in their lives and watching them come into their own athletically, academically, and personally. During this time, the student-athletes will encounter challenges. No student-athlete in my eight plus years at Oakland met these challenges, flourished, and accomplished so much athletically, academically, and personally while also giving back considerably to her teammates and community better than Grace did."

For Grace's coach, Paul Rice, those years were about much more than the success she found on the course. He saw firsthand the work she put in, the adversity she faced, and the joy she brought to the people around her.

"Grace is one of a kind. We have been blessed to have her in our Oakland family. She would say she was the blessed one, but that is who Grace was. She was a tireless worker that was driven daily by her goals and dreams. Grace dreamed big, but she always trusted in the process and the pathway needed to get there. She battled through a lot of adversity in her career, but through it all, she never felt sorry for herself, and she never gave up. I was so thankful to see her experiencing really high-level success in her last few seasons on the team. She deserved that."

"She was so bright and joyful and had smiles for days. Grace always put others first. Our hearts are broken, but we are so thankful that Grace was part of our lives for the time that we had her. Many Oakland athletes in the coming years will learn of the Grace Nolan legacy. It's something that will be with us forever. We are sending love and prayers out to the Nolan family and also to Grace's boyfriend Matt and his family as he goes through his healing process."
 

Rice's words capture the person her teammates, coaches, and friends knew so well: someone who worked hard for what she wanted, kept going when things got difficult, and never lost sight of the people around her.
 

Though Grace accomplished so much during her time at Oakland, what she leaves behind cannot be measured in records or awards. It lives on in the people who knew her, the lives she touched, and the example she set for those who will follow in her footsteps.
 

Oakland University Athletics extends its heartfelt condolences to Grace's family, friends, teammates, coaches, classmates, and all who knew and loved her. The entire Golden Grizzlies community holds them close during this difficult time.
 

Grace will always be part of the Oakland family. She will be remembered for the goals she pursued, the challenges she overcame, the joy she brought to others, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 31, at Oakland University. Details and further information can be found HERE.
 

Grace Nolan, forever a Golden Grizzly.