Little Hawk Girls Swimming will battle against the best at the state tournament in Marshalltown, where we plan to send our three top relays. At regionals, City High faced off against incredible relays, including the leader in every relay in the state, Waukee. Individual events proved challenging competition in previous meets. Still, the State Meet is filled with many swimmers following closely behind the fastest swimmer in the state, City High’s very own Grace Hoeper ’25.
Hoeper, an aspiring collegiate swimmer, leads the state with her times in multiple races this season. Breaking many records, she has a 1st place time in the 50Y Free and 2nd in three events, including the 100Y Free. Hoeper will compete in the 50Y Free and 100Y Free at the State Meet this weekend.
Not only is this a huge meet filled with competitive races for just our best swimmer, but it is also a big deal for our seniors. Margalit Frank ‘24, Avery Mann ‘24, and Kalea Seaton ‘24 are just a few of the team’s seniors, all captains. They have had many goals for this team, including getting their relays to states, but they also have a lot of positive reflection on a team they have been a part of for four years.
Seaton shared how the team has overcome obstacles thrown their way.
“The team is my biggest motivator. The energy this year is really high, and everyone’s really excited about our season,” Seaton said. “And that’s really motivated me—also, our coaches. Mandi can be really tough, but I think that makes all of us better. We all want to do good for each other. So I think that motivates all of us.”
Frank and Mann have shared their experiences in and out of the pool this season and in years previous.
“The mental side of swimming is maybe just as much of a workout as the physical side of swimming,” Frank commented on mindset and motivation during a swim season.
As the long season of girls’ swimming ends, one last moment of congratulations and joyous cheers are due. Before they attend the State Meet, it would be beneficial to reflect on all they have done this season. School records have been shattered. Team relays have placed in the top 20 in events swimmers Frank, Hoeper, Saorise Miller ’25, and Elsa Farber ‘25 have been a part of.
Girls swimmers at our school have been battling mental health challenges throughout this portion of their lives, and it is something that they deserve a lot more credit for.
“The mental side of swimming is a battle. Just staying motivated through our long season is tough. Keeping your goals in mind and having a really supportive team is very helpful. The team keeps you going throughout the whole thing.” Mann shared kind words for her team as all the fans will now wish the swimmers one last ‘good luck.’
The 2023 Little Hawk Girls Swim Team hopes to leave this school with an incredible legacy and a fantastic season in the books.
Link for tickets: HERE
IGHSAU State Swimming will begin tomorrow Friday, November 10.
