State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Dennis and Jennifer Moran

Siblings: I am an only child.

Position or events: 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke

Career highlight: The highlight of my  high school career is taking down the 100 backstroke record that had been set in 2013.

And for YMCA swimming, I’m going to be competing at my fifth YMCA national championship swim meet this April.

At what age did you start playing your main sport? 

I started competing competitively in swimming when I was seven years old at the Stevens point YMCA.

Who introduced you to the sport? 

I’m the only person in my family who has done competitive swimming. But my parents had enrolled me in swim lessons at the YMCA, and I haven’t looked back since.

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Swimming has always been my favorite sport. For me, swimming is also very therapeutic.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year? 

I’m definitely taking a lot more harder courses this year compared to my freshman year and I do have to spend a lot of late night studying. 

What is your favorite part about this sport? 

Swimming pushes you physically and mentally. It pushes you down but you always keep going. It  has taught me so many lessons in and out of the pool that has helped me grow as a swimmer, teammate and person.

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long? 

I’m so blessed to have such an amazing support system of coaches, friends and family that I can lean on.

What would you say is your biggest asset in the pool? 

 My biggest asset is knowing I can push myself as hard as I can and know I will have a friend, a teammate who will be able to pick me up and help me keep going.

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)? 

I feel so surreal to be a senior. I am a completely different person now than I was freshman year. 

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to? 

I would like to shout out my coaches Eric, Aaron, Kaylee and Anthony for shaping me into the person and swimmer I am today. I would also like to thank my friend Natalie for always being my crutch and supporting me.

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

I enjoy photography and painting. 

Favorite song?  

My favorite pre race song is “Low” (feat. T-Pain) by Flo Rida.

Future plans? 

I am planning on continuing my swimming career at the collegiate level for UW- La Crosse. I am planning on getting my bachelors degree in diagnostic medical sonography with a cardiac emphasis.