Nitro Swim Team Swimmers of the Week October 22 – 27, 2012

Intro to Nitro

Cedar Park:Luka Herceg & Fiona Graves– This weekend Fiona and Luka attended their first away swim meet with Nitro!  Each of them did a fantastic job!  Overcoming a few nervous hurdles along the way they each made time improvements.  Luka brought his costume for the parade and had a few coaches comment on his great diving skills!  Fiona was making friends with all the swimmers and learning the ropes of how swim meets work.  I am very proud of both of you, looking forward to the next meet with you guys!

Bee Cave:Ella Forshee – Ella earned this award through her excellent work ethic. She is one who is always trying her hardest to excel and exceed expectations. Ella actively listens at each practice soaking in everything being taught. She constantly has a smile on her face and is happy to be at the pool and seems excited to learn something new. Keep up the great work!

Bronze

Cedar Park:Tatyana Volobouev– She was on top of everything this weekend, she knew when to head over to the ready bench, checked in with coaches after her races and her positive energy kept her teammate smiling the whole weekend!  Always ready for a race Tatyana, had good swims and found a few new things to work on before her next meet.  Congratulations Tatyana!

Bee Cave:Jennifer Bui– Jenny has been a tremendous leader this week.  She showed eagerness and readiness in leading the lane, while also exceeding my expectations in the new drills the group learned.  Jenny was more than willing to help her teammates with technique and interval review.  We look forward to her continuing to boost the group while we start harder practices that will require lots of enthusiasm.  Thanks Jenny!

Technique and Fitness

Cedar Park:Blakely Calderone & James Wang – Blakely had some amazing swimming this week.  Especially in her kicking.  We did a lot of kicking, working on proper head position and she looked amazing.  James had a great butterfly day.  His arms were totally clearing the water.  Nothing but air.  Great job you two, thanks for being a part of NITRO, and we’ll see you at the pool.

Bee Cave:Luke Taylor– Luke had an outstanding meet in Bee Cave at Nitro Day at the Races. His performance is directly related to his hard work in the pool during the week. Every time a change is directed, an immediate feedback is asked by Luke. He is constantly trying to perfect all of his strokes. Keep up the great work Luke!

Silver

Cedar Park:Maja Milanovic– Maja has come a long way since the beginning of the season.  At the end of every practice she asks what she needs to work on and listens when given constructive criticism.  Both of these traits are the reason she has shown improvement and will continue to improve.  Keep it up Maja!!!

Bee Cave: Sydney Sears– This last week Sydney has really stepped up her training, working very hard on her breaststroke she separated herself from the silver group and became a leader not only for the rest of Silver 2 but for all of the Silver Groups at BEE CAVE. It’s hard not to notice when you have other coaches pointing out the improvement and the fact that she was leading a set of 50s by half a length! I can’t wait to see her swim at Duel in the pool.

 

Advanced Silver

Cedar Park:Julia Roberto– She has risen to the challenge multiple times this week during long distance sets. It might be her new event! Great job Julia and keep up the good work!

Bee Cave:Olivia Mazzei– Olivia gives every practice her all.  She remains engaged the whole time and demonstrates her commitment and respect for the sport each time she is in the water.  As an adult looking back on what it was like to be 9 years old, I frequently marvel at Olivia’s attitude and outlook.  To believe in your purpose at such a young age can be incredibly powerful and can help to reenforce a culture of hard work and determination we look for in Adv. Silver.  At the same time, it is just as obvious how much Olivia enjoys being here.  I never see her without a smile on her face even when she is exhausted after a workout.  Keep up the great work Olivia!

Gold

Cedar Park: Zach Matula– Zach has been having a great week of training, which has included some much needed kicking with shoes for him. But on top of that he traveled to the Woodlands Meet this weekend with his younger sister, and was an essential role model helping the younger swimmers understand how to get to their blocks. Good job Zach, way to set a great example.

Bee Cave: Brian Li– Quietly Brian has been chewing up the yards with great focus on his turns and stroke technique, I’ve never seen him get out of a set or therefore a practice for any reason, he always knows what the set is, the interval and his own send off, what the focus of the set will be, and does his very best regardless of any possible distractions. His work on the IM this week was outstanding.

Thanks for being part of Nitro Swimming! See you at the pools! Coach Mike.