After the high school swim season’s conclusion Nov. 4, freshman Lauren Bender and eighth-grader Kara R. prepare for their club meet this weekend at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center in Orlando.

“Leading up to the meet, I have been doing harder practice and focusing on improving my speed,” Bender said. “I feel prepared for the meet because the high school season just ended, and I’ve been training for a while.”

Bender has some goals she would like to achieve this weekend. 

“My goal is to get a record in the 200 free (under 2:28) and in the 50 free (under 29.89),” Bender said. “I have not been feeling my personal best, so I hope to do well during the meet. I like to prepare myself by listening to music before I go in the pool for my event. I believe that it helps get me focused on my event and I seem to do better.”

Reed has also set goals for herself as she prepares for the upcoming meet.

“I hope to get flag times for the 100 fly,” Reed said. “It is the event I am most looking forward to, so I hope I improve at this next meet.”

By Ella Bendall