Cole Stevenson is a swimmer at Penn High School.
When did you start swimming?: When I was around 10 years old I started swimming competitively.
What motivated/encouraged you to start swimming?: I had been taking swim lessons and loved being in the water. After I completed all the levels for lessons I was encouraged by my parents and the instructors to join the club team.
What was your initial opinion on swimming and did you enjoy it?: I loved swimming from the very beginning, I loved racing and the competitive nature of it.
How has swimming affected your friend group, and also how has your friend group affected how you approach swimming?: Swimming has allowed me to meet and become friends with people from all over the country. Swimming has given me the majority of my friends, and these friends increased my love for the sport and encouraged me to work harder in practice.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your swimming career?: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is struggling with prolonged periods of minimal to no improvement and the mental burnout that comes with that.
How competitive of level have you competed and are competing at?: Sixth place at high school state freshman and sophomore year; Two-time age group state champion and age group state meet record holder in the 13-14-year-old 200-yard breaststroke; Summer junior national championships qualifier.”
How has the transfer been from Concord to Penn?: Really, good I’ve enjoyed getting to know new teammates and coaches and I am very excited for this season.
What are your goals for the 2023-2024 swimming season: My goal for this season is to be sectional and state champion in the 100 breaststroke and I’d love to help our relays place in the top three at state; very achievable with hard work
