Freshman Eliza Killough has started her high school swim career breaking standing records including the 100 butterfly with a time of 1:00.62. 

While many athletes’ performance peaks later in high school after years of working on their skills, Killough has come to high school already with a long history of experience.

“I started swimming when I was very young and I have progressed,” Killough said. “I was really good when I was young, so I decided if I am good now then I can just keep going. I basically practiced every year and right now it is just progressing into high school.” 

Swimming is a racing sport, including distance and sprinting events. Swimmers can also race individually or in a relay. 

“I swim the 50 and 100 free, and the 100 fly, so sprints,” Killough said. 

Eliza swam as a kid and is now experiencing swimming at a high school level. Eliza has had to adapt to swimming at a harder level while still being successful while doing it.

“Coming into a new school and beating standing records is super fun,” Killough said. “It feels really good to be able to go out there and be able to do what I’m doing.”

Eliza beat the 100-fly record during this season. While achieving her own accomplishments, she has also had to focus on how to be a good teammate. 

“She is a team player and a fierce competitor,” head coach Maegan Ruport said. “She has added to our team’s culture and will be a great leader for the team and incoming freshmen last year.”

Killough learned how to celebrate herself and her accomplishments while also being a team player. 

“I think about how other people would feel, and if I were to be cocky about it, I would not be a good teammate, so I really try to not compliment myself but to be supportive for other people on the team and celebrate their achievements as well as mine,” Killlough said. 

Eliza has been an important addition to the team this year. Her efforts and dedication is vital to the team.  

“Eliza has been a vital part of our team this season,” Ruport said. She came in with a great attitude and works hard each day to improve.”