Wingspan: When and why did you start participating in the swim/dive program?
Hinz: “I have been on a swim team for quite some years and have enjoyed it a lot. I heard that high school is more team-based and more social. I thought that sounded fun so I joined this year and haven’t regretted it at all.”
Wingspan: What is your favorite part about swimming and/or diving?
Hinz: “I like the team environment and that we all can help each other.”
Wingspan: Who is your biggest inspiration?
Hinz: “I don’t really have one specific motivation, I just try to learn off a variety of people so that I can find a variety of things I could do better rather than just learning off one person.”
Wingspan: How have you been preparing/practicing this season?
Hinz: “I haven’t been going all out very often because I currently have injuries in both of my shoulders. I have been injured for a while now so currently I am just working around it and taking breaks as needed. Other than that I really enjoy my teammates who are in my lane and during rest and breaks, socializing with the team is a great way to meet new people and get close with friends.”
Wingspan: What is your goal for this season?
Hinz: “My goal is first to get my shoulders back to full strength and keep dropping time, and I am hoping to make state on one of the relays at regionals.”
Wingspan: How has swim/dive impacted your life?
Hinz: “It has given me a way to release my energy and allowed me to maintain a healthy body. It also has given me many new friends who have helped me with technique and recovery.”
Wingspan: What has been your biggest challenge that you have had to overcome participating in swim/dive, and what is one that you still face?
Hinz: “The biggest challenge right now is probably to restrain myself during practice to make sure I do not injure myself further.”
Wingspan: What are you excited about this season?
Hinz: “I am excited for districts/regionals and hopefully state.”
Wingspan: What are your future plans for swim/dive?
Hinz: “ I am planning on finishing high school strong, hopefully having a full recovery from my injury, and then joining a college swim team. I don’t know where I am willing to go after college but it just depends on my success and if I really want to commit to the upper leagues.”
