Cedar Park
High School Training: Ally Lunday – Ally took it upon herself this January to work harder in practice. She came into each workout with the will to work hard and it’s really paying off. She is quick to please her coaches when we ask something difficult of her and we couldn’t be happier with her attitude. Way to go, Ally! – Coach Alex
TAGS 2: Zach Bann – Zach has earned this honor for many different reasons this month. Zach had a great 200 Breast this weekend, adding a really nice time drop and getting the A cut in his prelim swim. My main reason for making Zach Swimmer of the Month stems from his leadership skills he displays in practice on a daily basis. Every day he is there he is calling out how many repetitions the group has left of whatever set we are doing. But one of the biggest examples of Zach’s leadership skills is what he demonstrated during Holiday Training and this past month again, we had two swimmers visit our group and Zach made himself an unofficial ambassador for them. He took them under his wing and explained the different things about the group, made friends with them and made them feel included rather than having that uncomfortable feeling of coming into an established training group and being the odd duck out. Zach you are great athlete and great leader, please continue on the great path you are on. – Coach Flo
TAGS 1: Anissa Chan & Michael Shay – Anissa who just moved into TAGS1 this season, her last season before she turns 15. Anissa did not have thoughts of qualifying for TAGS until she dropped 3 and 8 seconds in the 100/200 Breast in the last 2 meets. Now she only needs to drop 1.3 seconds in the 100 Breast and 2 seconds in the 200 Breast at STAGS to qualify for TAGS. The other TAGS1 swimmer is Michael Shay who this month had 4 swims in the All Time 100 Age Group times, 2 swims in the top 50, 4 SCY swims in the current National top 20 including 1st in the 200 Breast. – Coach Greg
Senior: Garrett Mott & Zach Matula – Over the last month, I’ve seen both of them step up and assume leadership roles at swim meets, and I want to recognize their actions. Garrett was the warm up leader during warm ups for the second UT meet. He had the entire group in the water, was directing warm up, and keeping the start lane moving while I was speaking to another swimmer on deck. At the Pearland meet, Zach was at the end of his lane during warm up, helping our younger swimmers exit the pool during the dive session of warm up. I have seen him do this before, never asked, always on his own, always willing to help out. Kudos to both of these swimmers for their actions and I certainly expect them to continue to be team leaders! – Coach Kristyn
National Development: Dylan Friesz – Dylan has quietly stepped up his training this past month and it all started during our Winter Training Camp during the school break. He started to be one of the first in the water, leading lanes more and focusing on the small details such as streamlines, underwater kicking and etc. Dylan has been getting in and racing his teammates to a higher caliber which is great to see especially going into taper time. Dylan’s teammates have noticed his increase in effort and racing in practices and we are all excited to see Dylan compete in our upcoming Championship meets! Keep up the drive and focus! – Coach Robert
Bee Cave
High School & Middle School Training: Madeline Stokes – Madeline swam at the swim meet and even though she didn’t get best times he had a wonderful attitude and was supportive of us teammates who did well. – Coach Meghan
TAGS: Olivia Mazzei – Olivia had a great month of training but what really stood out to me was her effort at the January UT meet. Olivia swam the 200 fly had one heat of boys after her then dove in and swam the 200 IM with no complaint. Great effort and a lot of heart in those two swims coming off Christmas training. Great job Olivia! – Coach Scott
Senior: Alicia White – Alicia has been on fire for the past few months. She really elevated her training especially over the Christmas Break. She is always looking for ways to improve her mechanics and speed work. Alicia is a very hard working individual who is due for a break out meet any time now. Keep up the great work Alicia! Coach Chuck and I are very proud of you. – Coach Adrian
National Development: Zak Mickelson – Zak is still fairly new to swimming compared to many kids in our program but you wouldn’t know that from watching him train. Zak had a great Christmas training and has continued that and it has shown in his meets. Keep it up Zak! – Coach Scott
National Group: Jevon Atkinson – Jevon had a wonderful month in the water but really has been a joy to have on Nitro since he joined us in September! Jevon’s performance in the 50 and 100 free at the Austin Grand Prix has earned a spot on the Jamaican Commonwealth Games team this summer in Scotland! Jevon has worked hard since day one with Nitro and been a true leader and inspiration for all. He has been a very welcomed addition to the team and we all could not be more happy for and proud of him! Way to go Jevon…keep it up! Jevon had many media obligations in Jamaica this past week including a few radio interviews. Please congratulate him the next time you see him! and also let him know you are happy to have him as a member of Nitro! – Coach Tim