Each week during the school year, the Naples Daily News will select players who stood out from the previous week based on a combination of coaches reports and school nominations sent to sports@naplesnews.com and our own coverage. These athletes will be voted on every Monday on naplesnews.com, and readers can vote for who they think worked the hardest. Winners of the Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week voting sponsored by Elevate Home Services will receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To learn more about the winners, Naples Daily News will conduct weekly Q&A sessions with each athlete.
The Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week sponsored by Elevate Home Services Nov. 11-16 was Community School swimmer Nick Fabian. Fabian won just under 40 percent of the vote in the 10-person race. To earn the nomination, Fabian won multiple medals at the Class 1A state tournament.
Question: When did you start swimming? What attracted you to the sport?
Fabian: I started swimming when I was 10 years old. Growing up, I played basketball, football, baseball, hockey, soccer, and tennis. Swimming was one of the sports my parents wanted me to try. As time went on, I started quitting other sports to devote more time to swimming. Swimming quickly became my passion.
Previous winners: NDN Athlete of the Week by Elevate Home Services winners (November 4-9): Andre Ferdinand of Naples
What has been the highlight of your swimming career so far?
Fabian: My most exciting memory at Leach was last year’s Florida Senior Championship. This meet is the state meet for club swimmers in Florida. I swam 1650 yards free. I was racing a few lanes away from long course mile gold medalist and world record holder Bobby Finke. I ended up finishing second behind him in that race. It was the complete opposite of a close race, but I will always remember that race.
Do you do any pre-swim routine before a meet?
Fabian: I try not to get stuck in a routine before a race, but there are certain things I always do during a race. I always take an Epsom salt bath the night before. I always take Pedialyte as an electrolyte during big tournaments. I always clap my hands on the block right before the starter says, “Make your mark.”
Are there any U.S. or international swimmers you admire or enjoy watching?
Fabian: There are a lot of swimmers that I enjoy watching, either purely because they’re fast or because they look like they’re gliding through the water. I think what relates to me more is inspiration. All my teammates and coaches are a source of inspiration for me because they remind me that there are people out there who believe in me. I am becoming the best swimmer and person not only for myself but for them as well.
If you weren’t swimming, what sport do you think you would have participated in?
Fabian: If I wasn’t swimming, I think I would be playing hockey. When I was young, I loved the feel of the ice and the cold air. Hockey requires a high degree of coordination, so I enjoy the process of perfecting my skills. Compared to soccer and basketball, hockey is also a more niche sport.
