Years played: 11

Hype Song: “Lose Yourself” – Eminem

Future Job: Fashion Marketing

Pre-race Meal: Pasta

Inspiration: Natalie Coughlin

Wingspan: How long have you been swimming and what got you started?

Cole: “My dad was a triathlete so he was really into swimming more than running and biking. I started when I was six, so I’ve been swimming for eleven years.

Wingspan: Can you explain your training?

Cole: “We start at seven fifteen in the morning and we are usually doing dry land or weight room. We’re on dry land for about forty five minutes and then we get in the water for an hour and a half. We do that everyday, five days a week.”

Wingspan: Do you plan on continuing this sport after high school?

Cole: “I am trying to swim at a college in the North east, so I’m looking at a couple of those.”

Wingspan: Are you a part of any outside of school club or team?

Cole: “Yes, I am on a club team called Select. After school we start at six fifteen and then I get out at eight thirty. It is a long day because I swim in the morning and then at night everyday.”

Wingspan: Is it hard to balance your club team practices with school training and work?

Cole: “Yes it’s hard to balance. I get up so early in the morning and then I go straight to school. I get home and have an hour to do my homework and then go straight to club. It’s hard, it’s a lot of swimming and it takes dedication.”

Wingspan: What keeps you motivated?

Cole: “Well it’s hard to stay motivated when you swim, and I don’t get a lot of sleep. What motivates me now is my future in college because I’m not secure in any college yet. But it’s knowing that I love what I do is what motivates me.”

Wingspan: What events do you swim?

Cole: “I swim the 100 Fly, 100 Back, 50 Free, and the 100 Free. It is mostly short distance sprint freestyle, backstroke and butterfly. The only thing I don’t swim is breaststroke.”

Wingspan: How do you feel about this upcoming season?

Cole: “I’m really excited to see how the new girls coming in and the previous girls are going to do. I’m looking forward to seeing us improve this year.”

Wingspan: How do you prepare for a race?

Cole: “For big races I take these Gatorade pouches. My dad gets them for me before my big races and I eat those and I just feel ready. I feel like they’re my good luck charm .”

Wingspan: What do you like the most about swimming?

Cole: “My favorite part about swimming is how it is a team sport as well as an individual sport. I’m really individual based and I like to do my own thing. But it is fun when we’re in a relay and you can rely on other people and you get to be with your friends.”