Millard South swim team seniors make waves with record breaking performances in an unforgettable season, the MillardSouth swim team has witnessed an incredible display of talent and determination from its senior swimmers and freshmenswimmers. Among them, Parker Schmieding, Addisyn Storms, Natalie Verespej, Kindsey Joyce, and Mason Zadina haveemerged as standouts, breaking multiple records and leaving a lasting impact on the program.
Schmieding shattered the school and pool records for the 100-meter butterfly and also contributed to breaking the200-meter medley relay, 200-meter free relay, and 400-meter free relay records.
“When I touched the wall for the 100 fly school record, all I heard was the uproar of all my family, teammates, and especially coaches, so I knew I hit the time,” Schmieding shared. “It felt so rewarding to finally achieve it. Swimming is truly a grind, but I knew that all the training, lifting, and work put into it was worth it.”
She has been swimming for 11 years and all that hard work paid off her final season as a Patriot. Schmieding is committed to swimming at Minnesota State University – Mankato.
Storms excelled in the 100-meter backstroke, 200-meter medley relay, 200-meter free relay, and 400-meter free relay records breaking the school records. “We are constantly racing and competing against each other, so it pushes us to work harder,” she explained. “I have broken records all four years of my high school career but the ones I broke this year are more special to me because it showed how much I have improved in the last four years by leaving with my best times on the record board.” Storm’s dedication paid off as she achieved a goal she had been striving for throughout her high school career. She will be continuing her swimming career at the University of Nebraska- Omaha.
Joyce also made her mark by breaking the school record in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay, and the 400 free relay.
“I feel like in my head before the race, I knew that we could do it,” Joyce said. “I’m super proud to have had the opportunity to break so many of these records from people who were amazing swimmers. I am truly and utterly grateful to the sport and what it’s given me.”
Along with this year’s records, she also holds the school records for the 200 individual medley, 50 free, and 100 back. Joyce will be continuing her swimming career at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Verespej also contributed to breaking the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay, and 400 freestyle relay records.
“I am so lucky to have this opportunity to swim with all of the talent I am surrounded with,” Verespej said “It is an honor to help these girls achieve their goals and be right by their side while doing it.”
It was Verespej’s first year swimming for Millard South as a freshman and is now in the history books as a record holder.
Zadina, another key contributor, broke the school record in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly as well as the 100-meter fly.
“It feels great to see all my hard work come together and pay off,” Zadina said. “It is a perfect senior season and that’s what your senior season should be all about is having fun and swimming fast and breaking records.” His perseverance at practices by mentally and physically pushing himself, paid off this swim season. Zadina will be continuing his swimming career at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
The seniors all emphasized the importance of the team’s culture and the strong bonds they have formed. Schmieding noted,
“The culture and bonds I’ve formed have been the driving force behind my growth and success. Knowing that my best friends are always there to support me has given me the confidence to push beyond my limits,” Storms added. “We are constantly racing and competing against each other, so it pushes us to work harder.”
Verespej also stated, “I do feel that not only the relay but the whole team has become a family.“ Zadina echoed these sentiments, saying, “Support is very important and this year we had a great team, everyone.” Joyce agreed, stating, “The culture of the team definitely has improved every single year since I’ve been on the team.”
As the season comes to a close, the swim team has not only achieved remarkable records but has also fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among its members. The seniors leave behind a legacy of excellence, hard work, and dedication, paving the way for future generations of swimmers. With their sights set on collegiate swimming, Schmieding, Storms, Joyce, and Zadina have shown that with teamwork and perseverance, anything is possible.
