Amerie West (9)

How long have you been swimming?

“Since I was 8. I started competitive swimming at 11.”

What team did you swim with when you were younger? 

“When I was younger,  the Bear Branch Bears for summer league and then competitively Blue Tide.”

Is your first time going to State? 

“Yes.”

How did you do at Region?

“I’m going to State for relays but I’ve been doing 100 free and 100 back. And I got a 57 in my 100 free for the first time last weekend. And then I got a 1:07 in my 100 back.”

Can you describe your experience at Region?

“It was really fun swimming with all my teammates and everything. And like, when they call us out for our names in the final heat, that was really cool too.”

What were your expectations in prelims?

“I thought I was gonna do really well, like I dropped some time but I thought I’d be better in finals. I did my best.”

What were your expectations at finals?

“That I would drop some time. I dropped a second in the 100 back after prelims. But then the 100 free I stayed about the same.”

What was your initial reaction when you found out you’re going to State? 

“I was really excited about that, because I thought I would only make it to Districts or something because I didn’t know how high school swim worked yet. So I’m really excited.”

Are you doing anything to prep for State?

“Taper, that’s when you go easier in practices and stuff. Rest up.”

What are your expectations for State?

“I think we’re gonna do really well. And it’s just gonna be fun there.”

This being your first year, what does going to State mean to you?

“It’s definitely going to be way bigger because it’s at UT.  It’s all the way in Austin. So it’s going to be bigger, a lot more people. And it’s definitely going to be harder because everyone there is super fast.”

What has been the hardest part of getting ready for State

“All the practices. I do two practices a day now because I have Blue Tide and K-Park.”