The Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2 is senior swimmer Roan Stacey.
Stacey has been a key member of the swim team this season, consistently improving and competing at a high level. As the season continues, she remains focused on pushing herself and reaching new goals.
“I am happy with my performance, but the season is not over yet so I am still working to get better because there is always room for improvement,” Stacey said.
One of Stacey’s biggest motivations this year is chasing a school record. Stacey is just 3.91 seconds away from the record of 1:04 in the women’s 100m Breaststroke. After years of training, breaking the record would be a major accomplishment for her.
“It would mean a lot to me breaking the school record. I have been working for years, so if I beat this record I would be very proud because all my hard work paid off,” she said
The swim team’s busy schedule plays a big role in Stacey’s preparation. Practices are early everyday. Stacey stated, “Everyday besides Sunday we have swimming practice. Monday through Friday they are from 2:45 to 4:15 and consist of a warm-up, a main set focusing on the events you are planning to swim, and a warm down.”
For Stacey, the team environment is just as important as the training itself. She stated how much her teammates have helped her grow as an athlete.
“Being a part of this team means a lot to me. Everyone is very supportive and close. Without my team I wouldn’t have people to push me during practice or give me confidence during swim meets. Without my team, swimming wouldn’t be the same,” she said.
Like most athletes, Stacey has faced many challenges this season. “The biggest challenge for me this season was my mentality. It kept holding me back and not letting me reach my full potential, but as the season is going on I am becoming more confident in my training and abilities,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Stacey has clear goals for the rest of the season. “My goals for the rest of my year is to make it to districts in all my events and drop time in all my events. I also really wish to make it to states in the 100 breaststroke after falling short last year,” she said.
While Stacey does not plan to swim at the collegiate level, she still hopes to stay connected to swim. She stated, “I do not plan to continue to swim at the college level, but when I enter college I may join a club team to continue swimming.”
Congratulations to Roan Stacey on being named Athlete of the Week, and best of luck for the rest of the season and school year.
