Juniors Eliza Hicks, a diver, and Nicole Riopelle, a swimmer, competed at the Florida High School Athletic Association Swimming & Diving State Championships on Nov. 4th at Ocala’s Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Center. The competition marks the end of the season for the swim and dive team.

Hicks placed seventh out of 21 in the 1-meter dive. Being the only diver on the school team, Hicks trained with her club team before the state championship. 

“I train ten hours a week throughout the year for this and other competitions with my club team,” Hicks said. 

After this season is over, Hicks said she plans to keep practicing and participating in more competitions. 

“This summer, I hope to compete at the AAU national competition,” Hicks said.

Riopelle swam the 50 free and the 100 butterfly at the competition. She placed 13 out of 25 in the 50 free and 13 out of 24 in the 100 butterfly.

“I’ve been tapering, which is where you swim less yardage in practice and focus more on how you feel in the water and your technique,” Riopelle said.

By Ella Bendall