Stepping up to the block, she looks into the clear chlorinated pool, trying to balance a mix of focus and nerves. Reminding herself of strokes, techniques and pacings, she plays the race in her head. The sound of the stands is booming and distracting as she prepares to give everything she has trained for. Why the nerves?
Because being the only senior on the girls swim team, senior Clara Brandon’s race isn’t just about herself; it’s about setting an example.
Being the only senior, Brandon is a leader on the team. Over this year, she has grown in confidence and leadership roles for the team.
“This year I’ve greatly improved my leadership skill and I have grown more confident in leadership roles,” Brandon said. “The best advice I can give younger swimmers is to have fun and enjoy the sport no matter how competitive things get.”
Experiencing pressure is part of an athlete’s journey, but Brandon’s shoulders carry a little extra pressure.
“There’s definitely more pressure to step up as a leader, especially with such a large freshman class,” Brandon said. “ I make sure to lead by example during practice by complaining less and staying on top of communication about upcoming meets and team bonding activities. Twice a day practices aren’t always easy, but staying positive is crucial because your attitude can influence the entire team’s mood.”
Senior night against Franklin Central is a way to recognize all her hard work connecting the team and swimming.
“Senior night to me means a celebration of all the hard work I’ve put into swimming for the past ten years,” Brandon said. “Being the only senior isn’t as daunting as I expected when I started the season. The swim team is very close-knit, so it never really feels like we’re separated by grade.”
Dedicating ten years to the sport, Brandon is trying to become great and the best possible team leader before pursuing other interests in college.
“I’m not planning on swimming in college because I’m ready to explore life beyond the pool,” Brandon said. “After dedicating ten years to the sport, I feel like it’s time to focus on other interests and experiences outside of swimming.”
