Swimming is a timeless and exhilarating activity that combines strength, skill, and serenity. It is an art of movement through water, where the body glides effortlessly, powered by the rhythm and coordination of an athlete. With each stroke connecting to the water like a rhythmic of a dance, beating to the sound of your own breath and the cheers of your fellow teammates yelling on the sidelines. As the water laps against your skin and the world above begins to fade away, swimming becomes not just a sport, but a way of life-a moment of pure freedom and flow.
The buzzer sounds and the light flashes as Kiley Zoeller, senior on the HSE girls Swim and Dive team dives into the water to start her fierce swim to the other side of the pool and back. Her teammate dives over her and the energy in the pool begins to rise.
“My favorite event is the 50 free and the 200 medley relay because these races are usually so close”. Said Zoeller, “it gets everyone excited and the energy in the pool is at its highest during these events.”
While competing her teammates don’t just stand on the side lines like a normal game they are actively cheering on each heat of athletes. It berings morale and it helps to hype up the athletes.
“The girls team has always been so supportive of everyone swimming, we are always lined up along the side of the pool cheering the rest of the team on.” said Zoeller, “It is really special to hear teammates cheer for me before and during a race.”
Zoeller has been swimming since she was just ten, working towards her goals and gaining valuable life skills that apply outside of swimming.
“I have learned so much”. Said Zoeller, “ about confidence and work ethic.”
Starting out from a small team in Pendleton, Zoeller moved to HSE freshman year. In the short time she has been here, she has made leaps and bounds of progress. Which has led her to commit to Ball State University.
“Kiley is one of the hardest workers I know.” Said Kelsey Graham, “She shows up to every practice ready to push herself, lead the team, and be an amazing team mate. She encourages me to be better and love the sport every day.”
