Zack Mitarotonda (TYPHOON 1)
Zack was chosen as swimmer of the month for displaying a competitive attitude and eagerness to learn at both practice and at meets. Zack is attentive towards the coaches and encourages his team mates to always have fun and try their best. He loved competing in the Polar Pentathlon swimming all four strokes like his role model Michael Phelps, however he enjoys the 50 breaststroke as his favorite event. He is working hard to reach his goal of achieving “B” times in his events and is excited to continue competing through the winter months. Outside of the pool Zack loves to be outdoors with his friends and going to Karate class. He is a great part of the Blue Wave family and a role model for everyone he practices with. Congratulations Zack!
Natalie Smithers (GREEN Crest 2)
Natalie was a coaches decision for December’s swimmer of the month for her work ethic in practice, and competitiveness in meets. Her favorite meet was December’s Turkey Claus where she had the great experience of returning to the finals sessions each night for most all of her events. She too is influenced by Michael Phelps in her aspirations to improve in each stroke to become better in her favorite event, the Individual Medley. In doing this she motivates herself and her team mates to create a great practice atmosphere that is competitive, motivational, and fun! She enjoys being a part of the Blue Wave family traveling around the state to different meets with supportive coaches and good friends.
Outside of the pool she enjoys Hip Hop Class, writing stories, playing with her puppies, and just hanging out with her friends. She claims that if stranded on a desert islands she would want a phone, a unicorn, and a pair of goggles in hopes to use all of them to get back to safety! In the coming months she aspires to be a more confident swimmer, and set higher goals for herself as she comes across new challenges down the road. Good luck Natalie and congratulations on swimmer of the month!
Trang Dinh (BLUE Crest)
Trang received swimmer of the month as a reward for a daily dedication to both her team and herself. A soft spoken role model, she consistently sets an example by the effort that she puts into practice. She enjoys training mostly freestyle, however her favorite event to compete in is the 200 IM. Her favorite competition was the H2Okie Thanksgiving Invitational where she got to share a room with her friends, and enjoy a great experience with the Blue Wave family. She draws much influence from Simon Jackson, who insists that if you are serious about wanting something you are going to have to work for it, and not just dream about it. This is also a reason why she enjoys being part of Blue Wave, where she can work for her goals with her nice coaches, great friends, and challenging practices.
Apart from swimming Trang enjoys reading, drawing, and going to the mall with her friends. She also claims that if she were stranded on an island, she would want her best friend, some matches, and her ipod to make the most of her time there. Always moving forwards with a positive mindset, Trang hopes to make a JO cut this upcoming spring. Good luck moving forwards and congratulations Trang!
Kayla Snider (GREEN Tide)
Kayla is a new addition to the Blue Wave family and has alread y demonstrated an unprecedented work ethic, positive attitude, and love for the sport. She exemplifies a passion for swimming that she claims she draws from her team and great coaches. She looks to Coach Gabe and Coach Mike as role models that she says “...help me realize what I can do and help me push myself farther that I thought possible.” With much success in recent meets, she claims the Blue Wave Distance Meet was her favorite because she got to experience a new event that allowed her to push herself and strategize in a new way. This was also the meet where she set the new Blue Wave team record in the 1000 yard freestyle!
When she’s not swimming Kayla likes to read, volunteer at the library, and cook. She says that if she were stuck on a deserted island, she would want her Hunger Games book trilogy, a bathing suit, and some sunscreen so she could relax and take it all in! She is persistent in her goal of getting a JO cut in the 100 Breaststroke, and looks to do so by this spring. Kayla says she is very grateful for her supportive team mates and coaches, and the Blue Wave family is happy to have her as a part of it as well. For inspiration for both herself and her team mates she draws from the Emerson quote,
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” Good luck in the coming months before JO’s and congratulations Kayla!
