Sophomore Olivia Neunaber competed at state last year for the Rec Plex Sharks. Some of her accomplishments and success include making the Club swim team “FAST” and becoming captain of the Sharks. When Neunaber joined this team, it not only pushed her to become better, but also pushed her outside her comfort zone.

“When I first joined club, I remember wanting to quit after the first practice, but I kept going and it’s obviously gotten easier but as I move up levels the practices get harder, so never actually gets easier,” Neunaber said. “But in my opinion I think that’s what makes me want to do it, because I’ve always liked a challenge.”

Ever since Neunaber moved here from Florissant in fifth grade, she’s been working really hard to become captain of the Sharks.

“My biggest accomplishments would probably be being captain this year and going to state last year,” Neunaber said.

Before her offer to get moved to FAST, Neunaber had been swimming with the Sharks for almost four years.

“I started competitive swim around four years ago, but did little kid swim when I was younger,” Neunaber said. “With the sharks I swim with Sumi and Maria, but when I move teams to FAST I’ll be swimming with Natalia because she is moving teams as well.”

Swim is important to Neunaber because, it’s helped her meet a lot of new people, make new friends and exceed to higher levels in her swim season.

“I really like how swim always pushes me whether it’s physically or mentally and it’s also lots of fun, because you have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people and make a lot more friends,” Neunaber said.

Everyone always asks what it takes to be a swimmer or if you’re good enough for it. Some people are afraid to try swim because they fear that they will drown. It just takes confidence and practice according to Neunaber.

“If anyone is thinking about doing swim, but are scared to join I say just go for it,” Neunaber said. “It’s a lot of fun and even if you think you can’t swim or you will drown, you’ll be surprised by how much you learn and improve throughout the season.”