Name: Ava Mattson
Grade: Senior
Sport: Swim and Dive
How long have you been swimming?
“I have been swimming my entire life, but I started competing when I was in kindergarten, so about 13 years now.”
What other sports do you play at FHC?
“No, I do not play any other sports at FHC.”
What is your best memory from your time swimming?
“One of my best memories from swimming was probably my freshman year when I finally broke the time I had been working towards all season at the conference meet, and Coach Tim Jasperse was so, so happy for me. I remember touching the wall and seeing how happy he was that I finally broke that time.”
What are your individual goals for this season?
“My individual goals for this season are just getting new best times. I am recently coming off an injury, a meniscus tear, so, after being benched in the middle of last season, I am really working towards breaking my best times, getting better, and healing my injury in the safest way possible.”
Who is the biggest influence in your athletic career, and why?
“My biggest influence on my swimming career is my older sister Emma. I would not be swimming if it weren’t for her. We swam on the same club team when we were younger, and I wanted to be just like her. She has always pushed me and encouraged me to be the best that I can be, and she still races me every time we get into a pool together. Although she stopped swimming after her freshman year of high school, she continued to do nothing but support me and my swimming career.”
Do you have any superstitions associated with your meets?
“Before every race, I will shake out every part of my body, starting from my feet/ankles to my head, stretch my knees, and readjust my goggles three times. Although only in my breaststroke races, I will jump three times.”
What is your favorite class this year, and why?
“My favorite class this year is Fx. This will be my third year taking Fx, and I love everything about it. I love Mr. Manders. I’m in a group with my friends, and overall, I have just loved the class, filming, editing, whatever it may be; I always have a great time.”
Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school?
“My favorite elementary school teacher was my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Best. I went to Beverly Cleary K-8 in Portland, Oregon. I spent my childhood living in Oregon before moving to Michigan. She was the best teacher I could’ve had, every day was something new and fun, and she was always there if anyone needed anything. I remember how special she made every holiday, big or small, and how special she made every kid’s birthday, even the summer birthday kids. She was one of the teachers who made me realize I want to be a teacher.”
