Ashley Uelmen, one of LVSC’s most prominent swimmers, is training for her upcoming season. She began swimming at the ripe age of 14, during her second semester in high school. Now, as a junior, she feels tremendous pressure with college approaching, although it is more so due to lack of an idea for what major she should pursue.

In preparation for the spring school swim season, Ashley practices and competes with the LVSC platinum team. She joined this team in hopes that it will help her accomplish her goals and increase her skills. Her practices combine swimming with dry land training to ensure the team is in the best shape possible. Ashley’s coach, Rachel Meadow, swam when she was younger and has a passion for pushing the best out of those she coaches. There are currently 21 LVSC swimmers on the platinum team, most of whom qualified for state in at least one event. Ashley was among those who qualified, although she could not attend due to previously planned engagements.

“I’m strongest in breaststroke, and probably weakest in backstroke because of my shoulders,” explained Uelmen. She still pushes herself in each event in order to try to beat her record time.

“Ashley started training with me at the end of August, and from there she’s grown a lot,” said Ashley’s teammate Sophia Rubino, “her technique has really matured. I think by the time high school season comes around she’s going to be a force to reckon with in the sprint and breaststroke events.”

When asked about her future plans in swim Ashley said that if she has the opportunity to swim in college, she would like to. She believes that, although swim is important to her, her future lies elsewhere. “In five years from now, I hope swimming is still a part of my life, but more importantly I want to be absolutely thriving in school and work.”