Any competitive swimmer will tell you: this sport requires a tremendous amount of effort. 

Of course, being successful in any sport—or any endeavor, for that matter—doesn’t come without putting in considerable time and hard work. But swimming isn’t for the faint of heart. High school swimmers, like those on the Copper Hills team, must commit to early morning practices and workouts. To be a good swimmer, participants need to be not only physically prepared but mentally tough. 

Copper Hills head coach Markie Harper is impressed with what she has seen from her athletes. The Grizzlies boast some talented swimmers who also have positive attitudes. Harper said a strength of her team is the mentorship and examples the swimmers provide as well as the strong bond the athletes have forged. 

“This season, we as coaches have really enjoyed seeing an increase in team unity,” Harper said. “We have also witnessed many of our 12th grade athletes leading and being good examples to younger athletes, without having the designation of team captain. This spirit of unity has truly increased the sportsmanship on our team and how these athletes truly choose to show up for each other and give their best. We can see our athletes working closely together and helping each other to improve and succeed.”

Harper said the swimmers aren’t afraid of testing their limits or exerting themselves. She is also pleased with the Grizzlies for how well they treat their teammates. The coaches, too, are committed to teaching the athletes not only proper swimming techniques but life lessons. 

“A couple of things always stand out about our team,” Harper said. “The athletes have a strong desire to push themselves and improve. We are respectful and show dignity to teammates and other teams. Athletes are willing to support one another. The coaches are dedicated to helping each athlete improve themselves as an athlete and as a good community member.”

The Grizzlies are focusing on specific points of emphasis this season, both individual and team objectives. Harper said her swimmers are pushing themselves toward achieving personal best times, relay best times and improving overall starts and finishes at state meets. She also said Copper Hills wants to increase the number of team members who qualify for the Class 5A state meet in February. 

Many Grizzlies are contributing to the team’s success this season. Harper highlighted a handful, both on the boys and girls teams. Chase Atherley and Alivia Babcock continue to improve and do the things Harper has asked. 

“[Atherley] is a talented breast stroker and a team captain this year,” she said. “He is consistently an example to his lane and younger swimmers about the dedication required for success. He has been a part of Copper Hills swim throughout high school. [Babcock] is a dynamic swimmer. She consistently swims some of the hardest events, including the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly. Alivia is always seeking feedback for improvement and looking for ways to improve.”

Beatriz Fernandes, Adyson Hill, Taylor Lee and Anja Leigh add depth to the team and bring the mindsets and outlooks that help other swimmers. 

“[Fernandes] is a bubbly and social athlete who is consistently brightening up her lane,” Harper said. “She can always be seen cheering for others or checking in on athletes who are having a bad day. [Hill] is one of those athletes who always has a smile on her face and is ready to work hard to complete whatever workout you put in front of her. [Lee] is a powerhouse in the pool. She is a sprinter and truly flies through the water. Taylor is a calm leader as a team captain and makes sure that the team is represented at the Copper Hills Principal’s Roundtable, a group of student leaders who work with administration to build school spirit and address concerns. Taylor is a kind and hard-working athlete. [Leigh] is the athlete every coach wants. She works hard, supports others, asks questions and reaches out to those she feels need extra support. Anja truly is an incredible athlete.”

Other notable Copper Hills performers in the pool are Charlotte Lundberg, Elliana Mayhew, Grace Pommerenning, Anthony Sterzer and Jarod Wensel 

“[Lundberg] is a team captain this year and is in charge of working with the underclassmen. She is also a distance swimmer and is kind and calm, truly making sure to take care of the swimmers around her. [Mayhew] is consistently improving and working hard to become a better athlete. She takes feedback well, works hard to improve and is a positive influence on those athletes around her. [Pommerenning] is incredible. She can swim every stroke and event at a high level, but generally specializes in the 200 Individual Medley, 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke. [Sterzer] is an athlete who gives his races everything he has. Recently, we had a swim meet where he was sick, and in his 50 freestyle sprint, he earned his season best time. Anthony works hard and is a good example to the younger generation of finding success even when things are hard. [Wensel] is our fifth and final team captain. Jarod is an athlete who will do whatever is asked of him by a coach and consistently leads by example, getting in the pool quickly to begin a workout, encouraging athletes to stretch before and after practice, as well as sprinting his way across the pool.”

The way the Grizzlies work hard—in practice and meets—never ceases to amaze Harper and her staff. 

“What we enjoy most about coaching this group of student-athletes is their desire and want to achieve more and push themselves to always be better than they were the day before,” Harper said. “As a coaching staff, we value feedback from athletes and work to adjust to meet their needs. In addition to this, we expect that they work to incorporate our feedback as well. This is an incredible team, and we are proud to coach at Copper Hills.”