Ava Bailey (10)

How long have you been swimming?

“Competitively like seven years, but I’ve swam since I was like 6 or something.”

Is this your first time going to State?

“I went to State last year.”

What did you compete in?

“Last year, I swam the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.”

Can you describe your experience at Region?

“Although I did not swim, I had a lot of fun cheering on my teammates. I was very proud of them all. It was just a great experience overall seeing them swim.” 

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

“I was very excited for everybody. It’s always a great opportunity to go to a place like that. It’s very different for a lot of people. And honestly like, going as yourself , going as a team like it’s just it’s very rewarding for all the hard work you put in.”

What do you expect from the team at State?

“I expect fast swims. I expect just a lot of overall positivity. inclusivity, just in general.”

What is your favorite memory from this past season?

“I have a lot of favorite memories. But I mean from when I was swimming my favorite memory was just like, in general, getting out of practice every day and having the music playing in the locker room. It’s just really fun.”

What has been the hardest part leading up to State?

“Not swimming with them. I miss it so much. It’s definitely hard and it’s definitely hard to watch everybody swim and have a good time and just feeling left out. But I know that I’m still a part of a team and I’m still a part like of the group. So the hardest part has just not been swimming with the people that I love to swim with.”