Paige Christie ’11

Swam the English Channel in 2014, broke an 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim record in 2016, and now practices labor and employment law with Jones Day in Orange County, California.

Pushing the Limits of Endurance and Purpose

Paige Christie is an accomplished open water marathon swimmer whose determination and focus have earned her national recognition. After graduating from Austin Prep in 2011 and Smith College in 2015, she completed a 12-hour, 55-minute solo swim across the English Channel, one of the most grueling feats in endurance athletics. Two years later, she became one of the few athletes ever to finish all seven stages of the 120-mile 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim, becoming the youngest person to accomplish the feat. She has been honored as the Eagle-Tribune Greater Boston Sportsman of the Year, Smith College NCAA Woman of the Year, a YWCA Tribute to Women Leader, and a keynote speaker at the Smith College Leadership Conference.

When reflecting on how Austin Prep prepared her for the future, Paige points to the confidence and freedom she found in the classroom. “Austin Prep gave me the opportunity to really understand what it means to learn, and as a result, the confidence to expand. So often schooling is so focused on a test result, or a class rank. While Austin is undoubtedly competitive and rigorous, that never came at the expense of allowing its student to learn by doing and learning by the occasional failure. In all environments, students were challenged in a not one size fits all way and supported irrespective of the result. Having that kind of support instilled confidence, which in turn provided me the tools to perform in rigorous academic environments as well as in my career.”

Blending Legal Acumen and Business Insight

After her athletic career, Paige pursued a J.D. and MBA at the University of California, Irvine, where she was selected as the 2020 MBA Commencement Speaker. She gained experience as a judicial extern for the Orange County Superior Court and as a real estate portfolio analyst for the University of California Office of the President. Today, she is an associate at Jones Day in Orange County, representing employers in complex labor and employment cases while maintaining a pro bono practice supporting United States veterans and survivors of human trafficking.

Paige also carries with her a strong emotional connection to the school community. “The camaraderie. The school always championed its students in any endeavor, from ballet to theater to sports to community service. I also have flashbacks to sports games where the whole Austin community would occupy a fan section and show up for the students. The support was felt.”

Rooted in Austin Prep Values

An Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Paige continues to embody the school’s ideals of perseverance, integrity, and service. Her path, from world-class swimmer to corporate attorney, illustrates how drive, discipline, and purpose can unite athletic excellence with professional achievement. Her journey inspires future generations of Austin Prep students to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.

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We love to highlight Austin Prep alumni who have built meaningful careers and made a difference in their fields and communities. If you or someone you know has a story worth sharing, we’d love to feature it in our Alumni Spotlight series.

To be considered for a future feature, please contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Giving, Darren Stewart at darren.stewart@austinprep.org or 781.944.4900 x4862.