The Republic girls swim team enters a new season after narrowly missing state qualification in two relay events last winter. The six-member squad includes one senior, three returning sophomores, and two freshmen with club swimming experience.
Sophomore Aubree Tinsley begins her second season after establishing herself quickly as a freshman. “Aubree came in last year and quickly grew to be a force,” coach Steve Boyce said. “She trains at a high level each day and then brings that to race day. Aubree’s exuberance for racing is quite contagious.”
Two other sophomores return after gaining additional experience over the summer. “Mei is an outstanding leader in practice each day. Mei shows great drive to get better in each workout,” Boyce said of Mei Pruett, who helped coach the Republic Aquatic Center (RAC) team last summer.
Sara Chism also assisted with the RAC program. “Sara is also a hard worker. She is a fantastic organizer of her teammates,” Boyce said. “Sara showed tremendous growth last season and we are looking forward to seeing what she can do in her second year.”
Senior Julia Walsh rounds out the returning group. “Julia brings fire to her races at each meet,” Boyce said. “She has grown each year and leads the way for us with big passion for racing.”
Two freshmen join the program with club swimming backgrounds.
“Amelia comes to us with good club swimming experience,” Boyce said of Amelia Beaver, who played softball for Republic in the fall. “She has shown quite a bit of versatility in practice so far. She is willing to do the training. We are excited to see her race.”
Elise Replogle completes the roster. “Elise also comes to us with good club swimming experience,” Boyce said. “She is quick and showing us a daily desire to work hard.”
The six-swimmer roster gives Republic several options in relay events. “With all six girls we are able to put together some very nice relays at meets,” Boyce said. “This is also a group that is willing to train. In training sports like swimming, this usually leads to fun seasons of racing.”
Republic’s season opens with the All-School Relays in Springfield December 5.
