Erika

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

The hard work she puts into her training. Giving it 100% every day might not always look like it, but she shows up and learns from her accomplishments in practice, as well as from her setbacks. She is not easily discouraged by her mistakes, but takes them into consideration and lets her energy build up to fix those details. She reflects on things that she can improve and works on them constantly until she is satisfied.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Her mom. Erika’s mom has accomplished so much in her life, and she aspires to do as much as her mom has, but in the aspect of swimming. Not only does her mother inspire her passion for the sport, but it is also her future self. She pushes her limits to see how far she can go as well as how much she can accomplish to become the greatest version of herself, to continue loving swimming and discovering new things to work and improve on to better herself.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

During Erika’s last age group championships she swam a personal best in a race she had been struggling with all season, not because she placed, but because she refused to give up.Instead of letting fear or doubt take over, she channeled every ounce of frustration, discipline, and belief into that swim. I have never seen Erika try harder in a race and push through the mental and physical obstacles of this long race.She was hurting bad, but in her race, you could tell she wanted it.