Lizzy Spears swam at Arizona State University under U.S. Olympic coach Bob Bowman, specializing in the 200 and 400 IM and the 200s of each stroke. During her time as an athlete, she led Saline High School to a Division 1 state championship, was a multiple-time individual Michigan state champion, state record holder, Pac-12 finalist, U.S. Open Qualifier, and achieved an Olympic Trials time standard in the 400 IM. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Business, earning Scholar All-American honors to cap off a 16-year swimming career.