Girls swim: Navigating states by: Donell James & Michael Roustemis
BEFORE YOU READ | On Oct 22, the Grosse Pointe North girls varsity swim team competed against Marysville for their Senior Night swim meet. This was their second to last meet before their States meet at Oakland University on Nov. 22. With two out of the three state qualifiers being seniors, all eyes are on Avery Beal and Addie Wakefield to end their careers at North on a high note. As the girls prepare for their final meet in Rochester, coach Trepanowski is confident in their ability to perform.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK | Teamwork has been a major part of senior Avery Beal’s growth over the last three years as a swimmer for North. With States for girls swimming approaching, teamwork will be paramount for their success. “Swimming is primarily an individual sport, but doing it with North's high school team has really shown me that teammates can be a key part in success,” Beal said.
PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Roustemis
A MENTAL GAME | With States right around the corner, junior Cailey Hard has worked over the last few years to improve not only the physical part of her game. “As I’ve gained more experience, I’ve learned not only the best strategies to train and compete, but also how to mentally prepare myself to swim at my best, and enjoy the sport,” Hard said. “I often find that I practice and race my best when I am relaxed, and enjoying swimming.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Roustemis
IRON SHARPENS IRON | Leading these girls through a strong season, Coach Trepanowski believes the team has pushed to get to the state level this year. He is more than confident that everyone on the team, going to States or not, has contributed to the team's success. “Many of the girls have been swimming for a long, long time, and they bring their talents into the high school pool,” Trepanowski said. “They all come together, they feed off each other, and they work hard together.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Roustemis
MAKING THE CUT | Swimming in the 4x4 relay with three other teammates, senior Addie Wakefield works to not only improve her times but help improve the times of her teammates. “Doing it for myself and the team, trying to get other people all state that haven't gotten it in the relays and trying to get a better place for myself,”Wakefield said.
PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Roustemis
ULTIMATE FAITH | Since the age of six, senior Avery Beal has been pursuing her passion of swimming. After hundreds of hours of time in the water, Beal still holds her faith near and dear on her journey to states. “I have prepared harder than I ever have with countless hours of practice,” Beal said “I’m hoping my hard work pays off and I honestly just leave my fate in God’s hands as he is the one who has allowed me to come this far.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Roustemis
PRIMED FOR GLORY | Being a state-bound swimmer comes with lots of hard work, and for junior Cailey Hard, she believes the team is prepared and up to the challenge. “I feel very confident going into States this year because of how hard my team and I have been training,” Hard said. “We feel positive, and we constantly lift each other up, so I am very excited to see the results of all we have worked for together.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Roustemis