Swimmers from around the valley are conditioning and preparing for the three biggest meets of their season: the OVAC, Regional, and West Virginia Championship Meet.
One particular athlete, Victoria Kidney, from John Marshall High school is a top contender for several medals at all three of these meets. Kidney is a four-year letterman. She has been named to the all-state, all Ohio Valley, and all conference teams. Kidney also successfully has broken all of the school’s past women’s swimming records. This feat includes holding 8 individual records and being a pivotal part of 3 relay records.
When asked how she felt about breaking all of the school’s past records and even her own that she had set her freshman year Victoria replied: “I have always set goals for myself when swimming. When I started swimming high school I made it a personal goal to break every previous record. The hardest for me was the 100 Breaststroke which I managed to secure at the Mohawk Invite with a time of 1:08.78. After touching the wall in Morgantown, hearing my teammates cheering, and seeing my time it all felt surreal and it is a moment I will always treasure.”
Kidney has been a state finalist every year. She swam to victory her freshman year in the 100 backstroke and runner up in the 200 IM. She is looking forward to another chance at the title this year. “Her times have been great this season and she continues to amaze us on so many levels.” states assistant coach, Timmi Snyder.
She is focused and determined and her coaches admire her athleticism and her heart.
“From the first day I saw her in the water, to watching her break every female swim record at John Marshall, Victoria has put her heart and soul into her races. She is always willing to try something new and pushes her teammates to excel. I am incredibly proud to be her coach and know her future with swim will be something even more spectacular.” states JMHS head coach, Tim Martin.
The state champion has signed to continue her swimming career as a Mountaineer at WVU.
“To be afforded the opportunity to swim D1, representing my state at a beautiful facility is a dream come true.” states Kidney
Swimming has been a part of Kidney’s life since she was nine years old. She has dedicated hours to practicing and perfecting her strokes. Countless hours in the pool, competing at the YMCA Nationals to compete against the fastest swimmers in the country, and a tireless work ethic have led this young lady to making her dreams as a Division 1 swimmer come true.
Kidney is not only dedicated as an athlete but also in the classroom. She holds a 4.5 GPA and has been accepted into the Immunology and Medical Microbiology school of Medicine. She is the President of the Leo club and takes time out of her busy schedule to perform acts of community service. In the classroom, community, or in the pool Victoria Kidney is making an impact and leaving a lasting impression.
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