Standing on top of the starting block, inhaling the pungent smell of chlorine emanating from the pool, a swimmer waits for the ear-piercing scream of the whistle, and readily dives headfirst into the pool with only one thing in mind: beating her last time.

Senior Kailey Adcock, who recently moved to Ohio from Arizona, joined the Revere High School swim team and the HEAT (Hudson Explorers Aquatic Team) during the 2015-16 school year. Adcock has been swimming competitively throughout high school with the support of her mother, Christine Adcock, and her Revere coach, Deanne Pastva. According to Pastva, Adcock is currently is one of the top female swimmers on the Revere team, and has already qualified for two invitationals so far this season.

Christine explained that before choosing swimming as her preferred sport, Adcock used to participate in gymnastics.

“[Adcock] took her first swim lessons [when she was] nine and a half years old. Up until that point, she tried almost every sport but was focused on gymnastics. . . . While [Adcock] did well as a gymnast, her swim coaches commented on her natural strength and graceful swimming form. She quickly moved from swim lessons to competitive club swimming,” Christine said.

Adcock voiced her future plans for her swimming career after she graduates from high school.

“I am hoping to swim in college and swim in Division 1 or Division 2, depending on the end of the season, and my place in the state. I have to see which school will give the most [scholarship] money,” Adcock said.

Pastva described the swim team’s practice schedule, which consists of morning conditioning, after school swimming, and staying in shape through winter break.

“Swim practices are Monday through Friday, 3:00 to 5:00 pm, and Saturday 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Akron General Wellness Center. Dry land conditioning practices are Tuesday and Thursday morning from 6:00 to 7:00 am in the RHS weight room. Over winter break, we swim twice a day and as much as possible,” Pastva said.

Adcock expressed how swimming has changed her outlook on life and has given her valuable life lessons.

“I’m addicted to looking at the scoreboard and realizing all my practice has paid off. [Swimming] has helped me to look at my failures and strive to get better. My goal is to be better than last time and be the best I can be,” Adcock said.

Christine mentioned that Adcock’s swimming career hasn’t always been so smooth, and that there was a period of time where Adcock struggled.

“[Adcock] went through a rough patch with swimming her sophomore year that almost led to her quitting the sport. She lost confidence in her abilities and was gaining significant time. [Adcock] switched club teams and her coach was very positive and helped her find her confidence again. In just one year, [Adcock] jumped from almost last place at the Arizona State Championships in 200 breaststroke to 13th place,” Christine said.

Adcock commented on how she enjoys spending time with the rest of the swim team, and their supportiveness.

“My [team members] are my second family. I see them more than my normal family. I like having a good group of kids who I can always go to,” Adcock said.

Christine added how she and her husband recognize Adcock’s hard work and determination in swimming.

“[Adcock’s]father and I are impressed by her dedication to the sport of swimming. She is completely self-motivated and is usually swimming or working out even when there is not an organized practice. We think that swimming has taught [Adcock] about achieving goals through hard work,” Christine said.

Pastva explained how often meets take place, and all the events in which Adcock participates.

“Meets are usually weekly and we have occasional meets on Saturdays. [Adcock] swims in the 200 yard Medley Relay [in breaststroke position], 200 yard Freestyle Relay, 200 yard Individual Medley and 100 yard breaststroke. She does exceptionally well, and has attained her personal best times in both individual events in this season so far,” Pastva said.

Adcock mentioned how her experience on the Revere High School swim team this year has changed her outlook on the sport itself.

“Initially, I never considered swimming a team sport. I moved here from Arizona and it is my first year at Revere, and the team that I have here proved I was wrong. When Alec Johnson and I qualified for finals, the whole team cheered us on,” Adcock said.

Adcock is a great role model for the younger swimmers, Pastva stated, and she has the potential to qualify for the State Championship meet this year. She knows what she has to do to accomplish this goal, and is willing to do anything it takes to achieve it.