The News-Press selects players who stood out over the past week based on a combination of coaches’ reports and school recommendations sent to sports@news-press.com and our own coverage. These athletes take part in a poll every Monday on news-press.com where readers can vote for the athlete they think did the best job. The winner of “The News-Press 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, The News-Press will conduct a Q&A session with each athlete.
This week’s News Press Athlete sponsored by Elevate Home Services from Oct. 14-19 was ECS swimmer Jeslyn Beach. The second-year student received approximately 53% of the votes. To earn the nomination, Beach helped win the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay against Cypress Lake, as well as winning the 50 and 500 freestyle events.
Question: How and why did you start competitive swimming?
Beach: I started in seventh grade. I don’t really remember how it started, but one day it appeared out of nowhere and I started to like it more and more.
If you were to play another sport, what would it be and why?
Beach: Maybe soccer or something like that. But I’m not very good at other sports.
What is the hardest thing about being a high school swimmer?
Beach: To keep going, you have to keep going and keep getting stronger, even when things get difficult or you’re tired and don’t want to do it anymore.
Previous winner: September 30-October “News Press Athlete of the Week” 5 Ashlyn Anderson of ECS
What is the most memorable moment of your high school career so far?
Beach: When I broke 30 (seconds) in the 50m free for the first time this year, it really gave me hope for the next few years that I might one day be even better.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Beach: I would like to compete in the regional qualifiers for the 100 free. That’s one of my main goals.
