SWIMMER OF THE MONTH

OCTOBER 2009 SWIMMER OF THE MONTH AWARD WINNERS 

Frisco Aquatics, a USA Swimming Team comprised of swimmers from Denton, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Lewisville, Little Elm, The Colony, and Flower Mound, is recognizing outstanding swimmers with a newly formed Swimmer of the Month program.  This program is a way to recognize these athletes from North Texas who are current or future swimmers for their high school teams as well for USA Swimming.   Each month four swimmers are chosen by the coaching staff to receive the award.  Each winner receives a “Swimmer of the Month” swim cap to wear at practice and also receives a Certificate of Recognition.  The criteria of selection for the award is based on practice attendance, practice performance, meet performance, leadership, work ethic and positive attitude. 

Frisco Aquatics Head Coach, Dan McDonough, selected 13 year-old Aaron Lawrence as one of the inaugural Swimmer of the Month Award recipients, stating that “Aaron has consistently maintained best attendance. He has set the standard for the training in his group with his leadership skills.  Although he is one of the younger swimmers in his group, Aaron continually steps up to lead sets.  He can be a little harsh with his teammates at times, but done in an effort to challenge all.”  Aaron’s future goal in sports is to one day be an Olympic Swimmer as he strives, with some successes, to beat Michael Phelps’ times when he was the same age.  Aaron will compete this weekend in North Texas, in the 2009 Texas All-Star Championships.

13 year-old Hannah Hoag was selected by Coach Christian Rowe for her work ethic, saying “Hannah is usually one of the first in the water every day, always smiling and cheerful.  Whenever a new swimmer joins our group, Hannah steps up and welcomes them with a giggle and a smile.  A very hard worker and pays close attention to instructions.  Keep up the great work Hannah!”  Hannah says she like swimming because, “It is good exercise, it’s fun and I meet new friends.”  Hannah hopes to earn a college scholarship in swimming and says that math is her favorite subject.

Mason Bradley, 8, whose role model is his first grade teacher, Mrs. Kopeck, says that his swimming goal is “to be the best on my team”.  He was nominated for Swimmer of the Month by Coach Molly Mason.  Coach Mason says that “Mason Bradley always shows up to practice, ready and willing to jump right in and get to business.  He is a very good listener and doesn’t give up when he can’t do something the first time,” she added “he is a joy to coach and did great in his first swim meet.”   Mason also likes to play basketball and soccer in his spare time.

Joelle Reddin, 7, who listens to Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift songs to get pumped up before a meet, answered, “What’s an athlete?” when asked what athlete she would like to spend a day with if she had the opportunity.  Joelle has loved swimming ever since she was a baby and says her favorite subject in school is recess.  Coach Tony Kwee and Coach Molly Mason nominated Joelle for swimmer of the month because “Joelle is always ready to swim.  She consistently gives that extra effort in the water.  She is a talented swimmer who works hard.   Joelle is funny and also a fun kid to coach!” 

“It’s great for these kids to get recognized for their hard work,” says Coach Matthew Fosheim.  He says that he’s glad this is a new ongoing program, sharing “it is difficult to select the month’s recipients because there are so many outstanding kids doing their best and trying hard.”  He already has his eye on a few standouts that he hopes to nominate in the near future.