November Swimmers of the Month

Frisco Aquatics recently recognized the outstanding Swimmer of the Month Award recipients for November.  The criteria of selection for the award is based on practice attendance, practice performance, meet performance, leadership, work ethic and positive attitude.  Awards were presented to Samuel Kline of Frisco, Ashley Jackson of McKinney, Emma Monson of Frisco and Gama DeLuna of Allen.

Frisco Aquatics Head Coach, Dan McDonough, selected 12 year-old Samuel Kline for Swimmer of the Month, stating that “Sam continually sets the standard for the younger swimmers in the senior group by setting a good example of work ethic”.  McDonough added, “He is constantly challenging himself by trying to improve his swimming with faster intervals”.  Sam, whose favorite book and movie are both Harry Potter, said that “many of his friends are from his swim team” and because he is trying to constantly improve his times that “there is not much time for other hobbies.”  When asked if he had one question for a professional coach or professional swimmer, he replied “Does my stroke look good?  If not, can you help me fix it?” demonstrating his constant desire to improve.

“Almost” 12 year-old Ashley Jackson, of McKinney, was selected by Coach Christian Rowe for her consistency and improved progress, saying “Ashley is very consistent with her workouts, especially paying attention to instruction given.  This month has been great for Ashley, getting great results because of her quality workouts.  We look forward to Ashley’s continue improved progress, achieving personal best times with outstanding outcomes.”  Ashley said her “favorite swimming event is the 50 Fly and my goal is to become an AAAA swimmer,” which is the highest age group time standard.

Coach Anthony Kwee nominated Swimmer of the Month Gama DeLuna, an 11 year old homeschooler from Allen, for his “constant desire and attitude to want to improve and grow as a swimmer”.  Kwee said “Gama DeLuna is what this award is all about”.  He added, “Gama always asks questions, never complains at workouts, works extremely hard and applies the advice given to help him become a better swimmer.  “It’s been hard to find something that he has a passion for”, shared mother Elida Gama, “Swimming is the right sport for Gama.”  DeLuna homeschools her 7 children and exposes them to a variety of opportunities, everything from soccer and baseball to singing and acting.  Gama’s, whose hobbies include dancing, playing computer games said, “My most memorable moment of swimming so far has been moving up to a more challenging practice group.”

Swimmer of the Month Award winner, Emma Monson, 8, adds volleyball, softball and gymnastics to her athletic resume.  Monson’s said “getting my first BB time” is my most memorable moment in swimming.  A BB time is a time standard set by USA Swimming to help athletes reach goals from one swimming level to the next.  Emma likes to write stories, play with friends and bake cupcakes in her spare time.  She said her “favorite subject in school is writing.” 

Nominated by Coach Matthew Fosheim, “Emma Monson has set numerous team records over the last month in the 8 & Under Age Group,” he said.  “She had been a strong leader in her group, demonstrates great sportsmanship and earned this award for those qualities combined with setting her team records,” he added “She is a good role model for her peers”.

The Swimmer of the Month Award program is new, only in its second month. The swimmers are presented with a Swimmer of the Month Certificate, and a special Swimmer of the Month swim cap which is an honor to wear during practices.  The presentation is announced during a practice where each Award recipient is congratulated by the coaches and teammates.  “It’s a great way to praise hard work and give the other kids motivation to do well too”, said Fosheim.

Photos submitted by parents