January 2016 Swimmer of the Month

Audrey Hayward (TYPHOONS 1)
Audrey has brought a new level of sweet to Blue Wave. She has done well not only bringing a positive attitude, but she has done well focusing on improving her strokes, and challenging herself to improve her strokes. She is having a great season, proving herself more than capable to any challenge, even doing more butterfly! But enough hearsay, let’s get some information straight from the source! We got to ask Audrey some questions, because of course we all want to know, what makes a swimmer not just a swimmer, but a great athlete? So tell us Audrey, in your words, what do you like most about being on Blue Wave? “Meeting new people and competing in swim meets throughout the year.” The world of swimming is always new and exciting when you involve people! I say swimmers are some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. You say you like to compete? What has been your favorite meet this year? “I liked the Claude Moore Polar Pentathlon, because I got to swim every single stroke.” Do you like all the strokes, or do you have special favorite strokes? “Freestyle and butterfly are my favorite strokes. In freestyle, I’m not as nervous before competing. I love swimming butterfly events because I pretend I’m a dolphin.” And that’s why we do dolphin kick for butterfly! When you are preparing for a swim meet, what do you do? “The night before, I drink lots of water and go to bed early. Before meets, I have strawberries and mini chocolate pancakes and lots of water to hydrate myself.” Hydration is very important to swimmers. We need to keep our blood flowing smoothly! Those chocolate pancakes sound delicious! Do you have a favorite food? “I love chocolate anything!” Chocolate bacon? Chocolate veggies? Chocolate bread? I guess yes! Now Audrey, you have said before that you like to challenge yourself. What do you think is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “The hardest part is diving off the blocks without doing a belly flop.” Ouch! Well I can assure you, it gets better with practice! The more you do dives, the easier and more fun they become! You can even pretend you are a show dolphin, diving through a hoop! Besides the challenges, an important part of swimming is goal setting. Now I know you are only in Typhoons, but it is never too early to think about goals! Do you have any you are working toward? “Getting a better time in the butterfly, and breaking another record on my summer swim team, or on Blue Wave.” Those are great goals to work toward! Keep working hard in practice, and you will get there! Now, besides being an avid chocolate lover, what is something your teammates might not know about you? “I play basketball, soccer, and the drums as well.” So you must have great rhythm! That is important to many parts of swimming, so keep at it! What do you like doing besides swimming? “Play the drums and the gymnastics bar.” Practice makes perfect. Okay, now we’re curious. If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Would you buy your own drum set? “I would buy a pool!” Of course! Then, you would by the drums, and start a band. It would be called: ‘The Cheerful Chocolatiers!’ Or, ‘Rhythm and Chews!’ Just throwing a few ideas out there. Do you have any accomplishments outside of swimming you would like to tell us about? “I won a 6 and under hula hoop contest, and a jump roping contest at Fitwize.” Well, as if we needed more proof that you have excellent rhythm! That is most impressive! You will have t give us some lessons, because I am sure the team would love to see the coaches have a hula hoop contest. Hmm, fundraising idea maybe? Anyway, last question: If you were an animal, what would you be and why? “Definitely a dolphin because they are so cute!” As are you! Well Audrey, thank you so much for your time, and letting us get to know you better! Congratulations on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMAudrey
Carly Hanlin (TYPHOONS 1)
Ladies and gentlemen of the swim team, I present to you the lovely and talented Miss Carly Hanlin! Well Carly, now that the applause has died down, let’s talk about swimming. You’ve had a marvelous season, improving turns, bringing you’re a-game to practices, and helping your teammates stay positive. You should be very proud! So we thought, it would be nice to get to know the real Carly! So we are going to try something different. Carly, many of us know that not only are you driven, but you are also very goofy (in the best way of course!). So here’s what we will do. We’ll do a serious swim question, then a not so serious not so swimming question, and see how it goes! Are you ready? Good! First question: What has been your favorite meet and why? “The Swim-A-Thon, because you swim your legs off!” Swimming for a long time can indeed work your legs. Silly question: What is your favorite food? “Chicken schnitzel!” Oh my! I don’t think I have ever experienced that. Swim question: What are your favorite events to swim? “Butterfly, because you use your arms more than your legs.” Something tells me you like pulling rather than kicking! Next question: What is something your teammates might not know about you? “I have 200 stuffed frogs!” Oh my goodness! You are swimming in frogs! Well, that answers my question about what is your favorite animal. Why do you like frogs? “They are very good swimmers and they are very cute!” What is something you like about being on Blue Wave? “It’s challenging and fun!” I could not agree more. Next question: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? “I would buy 10 frogs, plus everything they need and want. They would be the happiest frogs on earth!” I bet they would be. You may have to buy them their own swamp with all that lottery money! Swimming question: How do you prepare for a swim meet? “I say ‘I can do this!’ Then I pretend a shark’s chasing me! ‘Aaaaaaahh!’” Now that is motivating! I would swim super fast if that was the case too! Non-swimming question: What do you do when not at the pool? “Read, watch Marvel movies, and play with my dog Penny.” Who doesn’t love a good super-hero movie? Swim question: What do you think is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “Breathing and flip turns.” Very, very true. Unlike frogs, we humans are not fully adapted to being water creatures, so we must train our bodies to breathe while swimming. It is hard work, but we need air to live, so it is very important to keep working hard at it. What accomplishments are you most proud of besides swimming? “I’m in Enrichment for math and reading. It’s super challenging and fun!” Fantastic! Last question, then you can get back to your frogs. What is one of your goals for this year, and how will you achieve it? “Getting faster in butterfly, and I will practice, practice, practice!” Because practice makes perfect! Well Miss Carly, thank you for answering our questions, and congratulations on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMCarly
Samantha Fleetwood (GREEN Crest 1)
Introducing, Samantha Fleetwood! A super-star in her own right, Samantha has become a great example of how far a positive attitude can take you. She comes into practice each day with a smile on her face, and is not shy about sharing it. Even through the most challenging sets, she keeps her smile, and keeps swimming. She has embraced all the coaches have talked about, including dedication, mental toughness, and how to be part of a family team. So wanted to ask her some questions about what motivates her, and makes her the fantastic person she is. So Samantha, what is one of your goals for this season, and how will you achieve it? “To get at least 3 more BB times. I’ll have to work really hard if I want to do it.” Anything worth doing takes some hard work, so keep going for that goal! What has been your favorite swim meet this year? “The PVS January Open. It was my first time doing the 100 free, and the 200 IM, and I was nervous. In the end, I got a B time!” Great job! Being nervous is natural. It’s how you channel that nervousness into positive energy that is important. What are your favorite events to swim? “The 100 IM, 100 back, and 50 fly. They are just the right level of hard.” Hmm, did not know there was a right level of hard. Of course, there will always be something more difficult. The challenge is not being afraid to take risks, and go one step further. Tell us Samantha, how do you prepare for a swim meet? Do you have any special rituals that get you pumped up? “I see if any of my friends are going, and I like to listen to music while I jump on my trampoline. It makes me less nervous.” So you jump to get in the zone? I like it! It sounds like a lot of fun! What do you find is the most challenging part about swimming? Besides the fantastically hard practices. “Reaching my goals. I have to work for them, and that isn’t easy.” If it were easy, everyone would do it! Plus, your goals are worth achieving, so they are definitely worth working hard for. What do you like about being on Blue Wave? “The coaches are super friendly, but they push you to try your hardest. The swimmers are also very fun and nice.” I am so glad to hear that. Swimmers improve the most when they are happy, and they enjoy the environment they’re in, and they like the people they are with. So you will probably be swimming really well at champs! Now for some personal questions. What is something your teammates may not know about you? “I love science, technology, engineering, art, and math!” So you are very much the academic. That is fantastic! You know, you never stop learning. Each day is an opportunity to discover something new, whether it’s about yourself, or the world around you. What is your favorite food? “Crème filled donuts!” Those are the absolute best kinds of donuts!! Especially if you throw chocolate in there somewhere. If you won the lottery, what would you do first? Would you by a mountain of donuts? “I would buy a vacation to Atlantis for me, my family, and my best friends.” Does that include your swim coaches? Just kidding! But really… What kind of activities do you do outside of swimming? “Soccer, science, texting, basketball, playing games with my family, and baking.” Do you make your own crème filled donuts? What accomplishments are you most proud of outside of swimming? “In our basketball game, I once scored 10 points!” Congrats! You must be working on your high jump. Okay Samantha, final question. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? “Probably a dolphin. They swim so fast, and there are so many types of dolphins!” Well, keep up the great work at practice, and you will probably be as fast as a dolphin one day. Congratulations Samantha on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month!! #SOTMSamantha

December 2015 Swimmer of the Month

Ryan Marlovits (GREEN Crest 2)
Welcome to ‘Get To Know You!’ A time, place, and universe where we get to ask a lot of questions to get to know about who you are! Today, we are pleased to introduce to you Ryan Marlovits, a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! Ryan has been working hard on his strokes, and been improving his drive and effort in the pool. Ryan brings a great attitude with him every day, and that positive vibe makes him fun to be around, and he consistently sets the example with that attitude. Now, we all know that Ryan is one chill dude, so we want to get to know the man behind the cool. Dig deep into what makes the clockwork run. Discover what makes the man tick. And of course, learn about swimming through what he can teach us. Now Ryan, let’s start with the basics. You’re a swimmer, so you must have a favorite event .Can you tell us what it is? “My favorite events are the IM’s, because you get to do all the strokes, and it’s more fun to do the 200IM than the 200 free.” Variety is the spice of life! What has been your favorite meet to compete at this year? “My favorite meet was Turkey Claus, because it was at the University of MD and the pool is really nice, AND I did not have to get up early!” That is a super good reason. Every swimmer needs their sleep. Of course, there are a lot of meets where you need to get up early. Can you tell us how you prepare for those kind of competitions? “I try to get a good amount of sleep before each race. My mom packs me food to keep my going. I put everything out the night before so I am ready to go in the AM.” Be prepared! Excellent advice! Now, please share some more wisdom with us. Part of what defines us as people is how we overcome adversity, and how we take on the challenges that are set before us. They build our character. So Ryan, what do you feel is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “Not getting frustrated and to keep trying when one race does not turn out the way I wanted, especially as I have gotten older and times get faster.” I could not agree more. It can be very frustrating when you don’t accomplish what you set out to do. But they key is how you react to the result. Will you learn from the experience and do better next time? Or will you give up? And the answer is… Learn!! Don’t get mad, get glad! Don’t get frustrated, get inspired! Now Ryan, what are some things you like about being on Blue Wave? “My coaches!!! My carpool!! My friends!! Swimming in the same squad as my brother!! I like swimming right after school, it helps me switch gears from school work!!” That is an exciting answer! Swimming is a shared experience with your team, and it’s great to have people you can train with. Speaking of training, what are some goals you have for this season? “To do a 500 free and make my B time on the first try! And do a 400 IM!” That is way cool! Taking on distance events! That endurance mindset is a great thing to develop! Plus, let’s be honest, the 400 IM is probably the toughest event there is (In this coach’s opinion!). Let’s get away from swimming for a moment, and get to know the man behind the pool. The man behind the goggles. The man behind the swim suit. What are some things your teammates might not know about you? “Well, that’s hard since one of my teammates is my brother (Laughter!), but I am a BIG Dallas Cowboys fan!!” Now that is something new! Stay dedicated my friend! What is your favorite food? “Donuts, bacon, steak, and ice cream!” Now that right there is a winning combination. I would like to have dinner at the Marlovits house if that is the menu! If you won the lottery, the big bucks, got a whole load of cash, what would you do with all that dough? “Get a pool in my backyard with a diving board.” I think there are a lot of people on the team who would do that too! Besides cheering on your Cowboys, what do you do when not swimming? “Soccer and running!” Again, building that endurance. Keep it up man! Are there any accomplishments you are proud of? “Making my travel soccer team!” Well congrats on that! Well Ryan, it has been a pleasure getting to know more about you. Keep furthering your swimming expertise! We will be looking for you in that 400 IM next meet! And Congrats on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMRyan
Emma Broemmer (BLUE Breakers)
At this moment in time, at this very second, in this very universe, while you are reading this, Emma Broemmer, somewhere, is smiling. Guarantee it. Ever a light of positive energy, Emma has brought her happy attitude to practice with her every day, and is known for keeping a smile even when challenged. She has worked very hard, and her strokes have been improving quickly. We look forward to all she has to offer in the future. For now, let us stop, and while she is still smiling somewhere, get to know her a bit. Emma, please tell us, what has been your favorite meet this season? “The PVS November Open.” Open meets are indeed fun, as you get to see a vast array of swimmers competing in all ages and strokes. What are your favorite strokes and events to swim? “My favorite events to swim are the 50 free and 50 breast, because those are my favorite strokes.” That makes a lot of sense. Now I know swim meets can sometimes be intimidating at first, but they become more and more exciting with experience. How do you prepare to swim your best at meets? “To get ready for a swim meet, I try to get as much sleep as possible two nights in advance. I also try to eat a lot of carbohydrates. I like to play my races in my mind exactly how I want them to go. Another thing I do is I try not to get too nervous.” That is some of the best preparation I have heard! Sounds like you are making some great habits. And yes, nervousness will happen. When you want to do your best, you get anxious. But you know what beats anxiety? Excitement! Positivity! Channeling that energy into positive things, like visualization and staying relaxed. What do you feel is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “For me, the most challenging part about being a swimmer is competing.” Well here is some more encouragement: You are on the right path! Remember those words you just told us about how you prepare, and keep working on them! What are some things you like about being part of Blue Wave? “There are lots of things that I like about being part of Blue Wave. The number one thing for me is the coaches. All the coaches at Blue Wave are amazing!” Well, not only are you great at smiling, you are great at flattery! Do you have any goals for this season? What would you like to improve on? “One of my goals for this year is to improve my time for the 50 free. I think I will achieve this goal by practicing the way I want to race with good technique.” Perfect practice makes perfect races! Moving on from swimming, what is something your teammates might not know about you? Any hidden talents? “I can play two instruments!” At the same time?? Just kidding. Although, maybe you have a new goal! What is your favorite food? “Pasta!” Food of champions! With lots of variety! If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? “The first thing I would do is buy some headphones.” Those would be the most incredible headphones in the world I am sure. Now besides swimming, what do you like to do? I am going to guess that you like to play your instruments? “I like to read, hang out with my friends, and play guitar!” I knew it! You may one day have to do a concert for us before you become rich and famous. Are there any accomplishments outside of swimming that you are most proud of? “Outside of swimming, I am most proud of the fact that I am a A+ student!” Congratulations! That is an accomplishment to be happy about! Final question, then you may go back to practicing your guitar. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? “I would want to be a giraffe, because I could see over the trees with my really long neck.” Giraffes are indeed very majestic creatures. Good choice. Well Emma, thank you for your time! Keep up the great work, and keep smiling! Congrats on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMEmma

November 2015 Swimmer of the Month

Anna Klotz (TYPHOONS 2)
Anna Klotz has been one of the most exciting personalities to come to the team this year. Whenever she walks on deck she brings a wave of positive energy and enthusiasm with her. What has made Anna special is that she puts that same enthusiasm into her swimming, by listening with great attention, and working hard with 100% effort. So why don’t we get to know this fireball of energy a little better! Miss Anna, tell us, what has been your favorite meet this year and why? “The Pumpkin Invitational, because it was my first one, and I was learning about everything!” It is indeed very fun to learn. We are always learning and growing each day, each moment. What are your favorite events to swim? “The 25 free, because I can go fast, and the 50 fly because it’s fun! I love the feeling!” Butterfly is indeed a lot about feeling and flowing with the water. Now miss Anna, before you compete at meets, do you have any Anna-wisdoms that we might learn from you? “I have all my things laid out the night before, I have a good breakfast, and my dad plays music that pumps me up!” That is fantastic! Do you listen to the Frozen soundtrack a lot? (haha, get it? Princess Anna? Okay, silly joke). What do you feel is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “The coaches are demanding.” What? Demanding? More like, inspiring! Pushing you to greatness! Okay, maybe a little demanding sometimes, but we only demand you do your best! And that does take a lot of effort on your part. What are some things you like about being on Blue Wave? “I like being with my teammates, everyone is nice and funny, and the coaches are nice.” Oh, so now we’re demanding AND nice? Well I guess that’s good to hear. And it’s great to hear that your teammates are nice! I’m sure you’re one of them too. Now Anna, swimming is a lot about working toward goals. What is a goal you have for this year? “To improve my breaststroke.” Good goal! How will you achieve this goal? “Through hard work at practice.” Very true. The best goals take a lot of hard work. Moving on from swimming, what is something interesting about you that makes you ‘Anna?’ “I have a great British accent because I lived in England for three years.” Now that is cool! I will have to have you demonstrate that for me next practice! What is your favorite food? “Fish and chips.” Hmm, I feel like I should have guessed that one… If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? “Get the US Olympic swimmers autographs.” That is pretty cool! Maybe we should start getting your autograph now too! Besides swimming, what are some activities you like to do? “Reading, arts and crafts, and gymnastics.” That is very diverse and artistic! It matches your personality quite well. Do you have any special achievements you would like to tell us about? “I received an award in gymnastics.” Congratulations! So when I ask you to do your British accent, I will expect you do accompany it with a back handspring? Just kidding! Maybe… Now, last question: If you were an animal, what would you be and why? “A dolphin, because they are great swimmers.” Yes they are! They are the gymnasts of the water world. So we shall call you the British speaking gymnast dolphin from now on? I think so. Well Anna, congratulations on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! Keep up the great work! #SOTMAnna
Brantley Hart (GREEN Crest 2)
This season Brantley has shown himself as a hard worker, and a growing leader in his squad. He has been working hard to challenge himself, and he has improved a lot in practices with his effort and focus. As coaches, we are excited to see how far he has come, and look forward to seeing him grow more as an athlete. Aside from all this serious business, Brantley is also known for his sense of humor, so we look forward to his answers to our questions. So Brantley, looking back on this season, what has been your favorite meet and why? “The Long Course Junior Olympics was my favorite swim meet. I missed making the cut for the 20 free in short course last year, so I was excited that I was able to finally drop the time I needed and make it to Junior Olympics for long course this past summer.” That is exciting! Plus, it’s extra rewarding looking back and seeing how the hard work paid off. Always swim with goals in mind! It’s very inspiring. What are your favorite events to swim and why? “My favorite events are the 50 and 100 freestyle. They are my favorite events because I feel like I have a lot of power when I am swimming them.” Swimming with power, and recognizing how to use it is an essential skill in swimming! Keep working on developing that power Brantley! When we see you in practice, you are a fierce competitor. Tell us, what do you do to prepare for a swim meet? “Wake up (most of the time, way too early!), eat, get my snacks, get my swim bag, and then fall asleep in the car for the long ride to the meet.” Rest is an ever-important aspect of swimming. Always make sure you make the most of it! Besides waking up very early for meets, what do you feel is the most challenging part of being a swimmer? “In the summer the most challenging part is all the practices. I have long course practice and then I go straight to my summer swim team practice. During the school year the most challenging part about being a swimmer is having to juggle my homework, baseball, and swim practice.” Time management is an essential skill to sports, school, and life in general. Keep focused my friend! You are developing a priceless skill that will carry you very far in life! What are some things you like about being on Blue Wave? “It is fun! I like being at the meets and hanging out with all my friends.” Being part of a team is fun! It is a great experience! Thank you for helping to make it more fun. Along with that fun, as you know, is all the work involved. What is a goal you are working toward this season? “Again up to 13-14 this year has been really hard. I am working hard on always trying to drop time in everything I swim. I think I will achieve that goal by improving my strokes an d working hard.” Good goal! Work hard, and work smart in practice! Effort is important, and also knowing where to put your effort. Train your mind along with your body! Now Brantley, please tell us something your teammates might not know about you. “I am a magician! I love doing all types of magic tricks, especially card tricks.” Wow. That takes a lot of skill! You will have to put on a show for us at the next team social! What is your favorite food, oh magical one? “Everything!!! (Well, everything that isn’t fried seafood).” I feel like there is a story behind that, but we don’t want to know. Does everything include non-fried seafood? Just curious. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do? “I would hire a lawyer and an accountant. I would do this to make sure I can manage my accounts and not waste all my money.” Brantley, that is the smartest and most logical answer I can possibly think of. I may have to hire you as a business advisor. That way you can help me with decisions, and do card tricks for me (haha). What are some activities you do when not swimming? “I like to play baseball and Xbox. I was working toward my black belt in Tae Qwon Do. I am currently an advanced brown belt, but I just don’t have enough time to dedicate towards it at the moment.” Wise with your time, and you can defend yourself. I am definitely hiring you one day. What accomplishments are you most proud of outside swimming? “I am in all honors classes in school, and I am pretty good at playing the trumpet.” Ladies and gentlemen, he’s magical, magnificent, and musical. A jack of all trades. Finally, if you were an animal, what would you be and why? “I would love to be a wolverine because they are resourceful and sneaky… just like me!” I could not agree more. Well Brantley, thank you for giving us your time! Keep up all the great work you are doing, and congratulations on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMBrantley
Alyah Hindi (GREEN Crest 2)
Alyah is all that, and more! She has stepped up to the plate, and swung for the fences as often as possible. She pushes herself more and more during practices, and has consistently stepped up her game. Okay, enough baseball talk. She has done so well adjusting her swimming technique, and embracing positive changes in her stroke. We decided, we have to get to know this firework a little more! So for this interview, picture two people, sitting in couches, on your TV screen, in a local daytime talk show. (Showers of applause, and a catchy jingle fill your ears) Hello, and we’re back with Alyah Hindi, one of this month’s Blue Wave Swimmers who is going above and beyond the average athlete. Alyah, you have had a great first season with Blue Wave. What, in your experience, has been your favorite swim meet? “I’m so glad you asked. Well, my favorite meet was the Hokie Travel meet, because it was my very first travel meet with a whole new team. It was fun to be trusted in a hotel room with three of your other friends and to tour the campus of Virginia Tech!” (The audience ooohhhs and aaaaaahhhs) That sounds like a fantastic time! I hear you swam a lot of events at that meet! Can you tell us some of your favorites? “My favorite events to swim are the 50 and 100 backstroke because backstroke, of course, is my BEST, and most favorite stroke. I also like swimming the 50 fly because even though it is a little bit challenging, I like to push myself to see what I can do different.” (Applause) That is a fantastic attitude to have! We at Blue Wave so encourage our swimmers to look for ways to become better. Tell us, what do you do to get ready for a swim meet? (The audience leans in with anticipation) Alyah, thoughtfully responds “When I wake up in the morning, I have a nutritious breakfast with lots of protein, then I rest my muscles and lay down in bed. When it is time to get in the car and go to the swim meet, I usually sleep in the car so that when I wake up, it’s like a whole new me!” (She flourishes her hands and smiles, the audience cheers) Well, sounds like sleep works! I will have to try and get more (laughter). Now let’s talk serious (the crowd hushes). What, Alyah, do you believe is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “Hmm, the most challenging part about being a swimmer is definitely learning to manage your time wisely (the host nods in agreement). Between school, swimming, and other sports, and free time, it can be challenging.” (Clapping) So true, so true. Time management is key to success. Now, I may be fishing for compliments with this next question, but I’m sure lots of people want to know: What are some things you like about being on Blue Wave? “The coaches explain everything very well! Most of all, they don’t just focus on swimming, they also focus on physical education with dry land and teaching us important life lessons, like how to be a good sport, kindness towards others, and how to express ourselves.” (Loud applause) Faaaaaantastic! The coaches are so excited to hear you are embracing the culture, learning, and implementing it in your life! That is the best! (More applause) Now Alyah, swimmers are very goal driven people. Tell us, what are your goals for the upcoming swim season? “One of my goals for this year is to achieve all of my A and AA times. I think I will achieve that goal by doing my best in practice, and listening to the coaches advice that they give me.” Very smart, very wise. Coaches are there to help you with your goals! Be sure and ask lots of questions! (Audience applauds) Now Alyah, let’s get to know you outside the swimming world. What is something your teammates might not know about you? (Everyone leans in) “Hmm, something my teammates might not know about me, is that I am deathly afraid of….. (the audience leans in more) ESCALATORS!!!!” (A collective gasp fills the air) Oh my!! Well, they can be dangerous. One must be paying attention at all times when on one. It might eat your shoe! Speaking of eating, what is your favorite food? “My favorite foods are olives and loaded baked potatoes!!!” (The audience goes ‘mmmmmmmm’) Delicious! Now Alyah, let’s say you win the lottery. What would you do with the money? “I would buy food and clothes and give it to the people who are not as fortunate as others.” (A standing ovation from the audience) Now that, is truly fantastic. And philanthropic! We all hope you win now! (Applause dies down after a few minutes) What kind of things do you do when you are not swimming? “When I’m not swimming, I like to play competitive softball and hang out with some of my close friends.” So you not only swim butterfly, but you are a social butterfly! (Laughter) And you not only swim backstroke, but you also have a mean backswing! (More laughter) Okay, enough puns. Are there any accomplishments you can tells us about? “I am most proud of trying out for and making a travel softball team with a bunch of my recreational team friends.” That is so fun! Sports should be enjoyed with friends. Okay Alyah, last question. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? (Audience leans in, breathless with anticipation) “If I could be any animal, I would be a penguin! Because I love cold weather, how they waddle, how they slide on their bellies, and I LOVE TO SWIM!!!” (The audience laughs, claps, and tweet about how awesome Alyah is) Thank you so much for your time Alyah! Congratulations on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMAlyah

October 2015 Swimmer of the Month

Kayla Graham (BLUE Tide)
We are here to play ‘Questions with Kayla!’ Where we get to know Kayla Graham, a Blue Tide swimmer who has been rocking the pool with her effort, and all that she puts into the pool day in and day out. First category: Swim meets. Tell us Kayla, what has been your favorite meet this season? “My favorite meet is the travel meet we do each year, because it is fun spending time with my team members.” How do you best prepare for competition? “Before swim meets I try not to get nervous about the events I am going to swim, and I get a lot of sleep the night before.” Good advice! Get excited, and stay calm! Next category: Swimming! What are your favorite events to swim? “My favorite events to swim are 50 free and 100 fly. The 50 free because I love sprinting rather than distance, and the 100 fly because it is probably my best event and I like to swim it.” What do you feel is the most challenging part about the sport of swimming? “The most challenging part about swimming is not improving on an event after months of hard work towards it, but you have to get past it and keep working to drop time.” Learn from each event you do, even if it doesn’t go as planned. Very true. Just remember, you’ve put in the work, and the only one standing in your way is you. Never doubt your abilities! Let’s talk goals. What goals have you set for this season, and how will you achieve it? “One of my goals is to make sectionals in the 100 fly. I need to work on my butterfly and my turns in practice a lot, and not worry too much before I swim it at upcoming meets.” Train the way you want to race, and you will race the way you train. It all comes together in the end. Next category: Team! What are some things you like about being on Blue Wave? “I have been on the team since I was really young, so I have been able to make a lot of friends on the team.” And what is something your teammates might not know about you? “I have Czech Republic heritage.” Velmi zajímavé! Historie je důležité! Next category: Personality! What is your favorite food Kayla? “Spaghetti!” Pasta: the food of swimmers! What activities do you like to do when you are not swimming? “I like to hang out with my friends when I’m not at practice.” Relationships are an important part of life. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? “I would be a dog because they are friendly and always there for you.” Dogs are indeed very loyal. As a member of the team for so long, we are very happy for you, and value your loyalty and dedication! Next category: Hopes and dreams! If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? “I would go on vacation with my friends and family!” Perhaps visit the Czech Republic? And then the Bahamas of course. What accomplishments are you most proud of, outside swimming? “I am proud of my grades in school.” And so you should be! Keep working for them! Well, this has been ‘Questions with Kayla,’ Thank you Kayla for joining us, and congratulations on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! We will see you at the pool! Best of luck with your goals!! #SOTMKayla
Christina Yang (GREEN Crest 2)
Christina Yang, a young swimmer making her way to international fame, has graciously given us some of her time for some questions. This has been a difficult task to accomplish, as Christina is a very busy person. She has been working on developing her own late night talk show, “The Later than Late Show with Christina Yang.” Or so that’s the rumor going around the pool. When she’s here swimming with us, she is someone who can always be counted on to give her best, and her improvement in practice has shown because of it. She is not only a funny person, but brings a positive vibe of energy with her when training gets tough. So let’s get to know her! Hello Christina, it’s wonderful to have you here on the team with us! Tell us, tell the world, we want to know, what is a goal you have set for yourself in your swimming this year? “One of the goals that I have this year is to get an A time in the 200 IM, and I will achieve that goal by asking the coach to help with my technique.” A sound goal, one should always be looking for new ways to learn and become better. What do you think is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “The most challenging part about being a swimmer, for me, is dedication. Sometimes I feel lazy and just don’t want to go to practice, but when I get there all the laziness is blown away and is filled with joy and laughter. It doesn’t matter how hard the set is, all I know is that deep down inside this set is going to help me improve.” Fantastic! What events do you like to swim? Do you have a particular favorite that fills you with joy and laughter? “One of my favorite events must be the 200 IM, because it is long distance, and I honestly don’t get tired very easily. I also like that the 200 IM has all the strokes, so that if I am not very good at one stroke, I can revive myself with another stroke. Also, when I swim this stroke it kind of gives me confidence, but in a very weird way.” Very weird you say? Well, you will have to expand upon that later. For a lot of swimmers I know, the more you swim an event, the more experience you gain in it, and therefore you become more confident. What has been your favorite meet this year? “My favorite meet was Turkey Claus, because I went to finals and that made me feel that I have been underestimating myself and I can improve if I set my mind to it.” Very true! You never know what you can accomplish till you try! How do you prepare for meets? Do you have any special routines that get you pumped up? “I pack my bag, with a towel, my swimsuit, a couple of snack bars, goggles, cap, and my phone. Besides packing my swim bag, I am very careful about what I eat too, like once my mom ordered pizza the day before the meet and I decided to eat pasta instead.” So you’re saying that the secret to your speed is making healthy choices? Very interesting! I think we all can learn from that. Now we all know you enjoy seeing the humor in life. What do you enjoy about being part of Blue Wave? “I like how the coaches don’t give me such a hard time about being late to practice. Whenever I am late (which is most of the time), the coaches always understand. What I also like about Blue Wave is the holiday sets because they’re special and fun most of the time.” Well, just imagine how well you would swim if you came on time! Maybe your next goal will be punctuality, as well as an A time! Can you tell us something your teammates might not know about you? “Something my teammates don’t know about me is that I am actually very smart, I just play dumb to make them laugh and we all have a fun time.” Ah Christina, forever finding the humor. Your talk show is going to be a hit. Let’s hear more about you! What is your favorite food? “Sushi, because it tastes really good.” And it’s a healthy choice! If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? “The first thing I would do if I won the lottery would be to save it in my bank account.” What kind of activities do you do outside of swimming? “I like to play soccer and basketball.” Way to stay active! Here’s a tough question: If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? “I would be a monkey, because it is the most similar to being a human, except that I can climb my way to places instead of walking.” So you don’t like walking, but you prefer to be human. Makes sense to me! Final question: What accomplishments are you most proud of outside of swimming? “I am very proud of my presidential award for academic excellence.” As you should be! Well congratulations Christina! Keep making Blue Wave proud in and out of the pool! And congrats on being a Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMChristina

September 2015 Swimmer of the Month

Claire Pollock (TYPHOONS 1)
Claire comes to us from a long line of legendary athletes. Along with an ancestry in swimming, she also brings with her a lot of good work ethic. She has worked hard, and done it with a smile on her face, and  a willingness to learn that has set her apart. So Claire, what do you believe is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “Learning to do butterfly has been very hard for me.” Ah yes, butterfly is a difficult beast to tackle. But with perseverance, you are sure to do it! Looking back at this year Claire, what has been your favorite meet? “The SNOW Pumpkin Invitational has been my favorite meet, because I tried my freestyle flip turn. I was really nervous, but I tried it anyway.” That is fantastic! Way to take a risk and get out of the comfort zone! Turns can be tricky to learn, but all they take is some practice, and confidence will soar! Speaking of confidence, what are your favorite events to swim? “The 50 breaststroke, because breast is my favorite stroke!” And how do you prepare for meets? After all, racing takes a lot of preparation in practice, so what else do you do? “Pack my bag the night before, go to bed early, and always have a good breakfast. Also, I drink a lot of water.” Smart preparation! Now Claire, we here at Blue Wave are always looking to improve, and make swimming a great experience for all. What do you like about being part of Blue Wave? “The coaches are nice, and my teammates are nice. I have made new friends! I also like when we go outside for dryland.” Who doesn’t like going outside? And tell you what, we coaches are nice because we have such nice swimmers! What are some goals you have for this upcoming year? “I need to learn how to do a freestyle flip turn.” Well, you are improving at it that’s for sure! How will you achieve that goal? “I will listen to my coaches and always try my best when we do flip turns in practice.” Great job Claire! That’s the way to do it! Now let’s learn some more about you. What is something that your teammates might not know about Claire Pollock? “That my Grandma has a beach house in Bethany Beach DE, and we go every summer. I like to play where the waves crash on the beach.” That sounds like so much fun! Beaches are some of the best places to vacation! What is your favorite food? “Annies Noodles and edamame.” Now that’s a new one I haven’t heard before! Sounds delicious though. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would do? “I would put a very big pool in my backyard so I can swim all the time!” And of course, you will have the most awesome pool parties ever. What kind of activities do you like to do when you are not swimming? “I like to play with my friends, play soccer and basketball, I like to do crafts, and go to the pool to play.” What accomplishments are you most proud of outside of swimming? “I made the U8 soccer academy for Loudoun Soccer.” Wow! Congratulations! Must be all that hard work! Okay Claire, last question. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? “A crocodile, because it’s my favorite animal.” They are indeed, very good swimmers, and very ferocious! Crocodile Claire has a nice ring to it too! Well Crocodile Claire, thank you for answering all our questions, and for helping us to get to know you better! congratulations on being Blue Wave Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMCrocodileClaire



Naska Batjargal (GREEN Crest 2)
Naska B. is quite the catch! She has been speeding through the waters like a rocket lately, and we could not be prouder of how much she has accomplished this year! Along with some fast legs, Naska is known for her fast talking! So Naska, tell us, what has been your favorite swim meet this year, and why? “Spring Champs, becase that’s where I got to do my first 100!” Congrats! What events do you like to swim? “My favorite events are the 100 free and the 200 free because I love sprinting!” Sprinting is indeed fun to swim, and fun to watch! It’s quick, and as a swimmer you need to have all your technique on point! How do you prepare for a swim meet? “I practice my events a day before the meet, and I eat healthy to get my stomach ready.” Very smart. Eating healthy is a good habit to get down! Swimmers swim so often, it is important to make good habits. What do you believe is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? “Probably the cardio. It’s very challenging not getting enough breaks between laps.” Well, like I said, swimmers need to create good habits, and the best way to do that is lots of repeats of those good habits! Even without a lot of rest. What are some things you like about being on Blue Wave? “I like how my teammates can support one another and the team has fun ideas for practices.” Practice is always fun! No matter how hard it is, it’s always fun if you’re swimming with friends. Now, we all know swimming is challenging, and there are a lot of great aspects to the sport. One important part is goal setting. Do you have any goals for this year? “My goal will be to try harder events.” Cool, how will you do that? “I think I can achieve that by working on my pace and speed.” Good plan. So make sure you focus on that in practice! Now for some fun. What is something your teammates might not know about you? “I had done ice skating when I was 5, and quit when I was 8.” Well, the sport of swimming thanks you! We’re super glad to have you with Blue Wave! What is your favorite food Nasak? “PIZZA!!!” A good piece of pizza is a little slice of heaven. If you won the lottery, what would you do first? “I’d probably buy myself a phone, then donate to charity.” You could get a really nice phone! And, you could make a huge difference to a lot of people! That’s awesome! What kind of activities do you do outside of swimming? “I like to draw and play video games.” Are there any accomplishments outside of swimming you would like to share with us? “I’m proud of an award for drawing a few years ago. I had won principal’s favorite.” That is so cool! Congrats! Art is an expression of the soul. Finally, if you could be any animal, what would it be and why? “A shark, because 1, it’s my favorite animal, 2, I’d still get to swim, and 3, people will fear me MWAHAHAHA!!” Oh my goodness! Well, I am kind of glad you are still Naska, and not Shark-Naska. Keep swimming fast like a shark though! Congrats on being Swimmer of the Month! #SOTMNaska