The swim team is known for producing elite athletes and having a handful of them go on to swim at the next level. Some notable names include Tucker Burhans (UNC Chapel Hill), Alex Valliere and Logan McDonald (both at William & Mary), just to name a few. Freshman Kaidy Stout is on track to join that exclusive group in a couple years if she continues her winning streak.
Stout’s spark for swimming was ignited about six years ago and it has only grown stronger over the years. Her dedication and work ethic shows how much love she truly has for her sport.
“When I moved to North Carolina, I did a bunch of swim lessons at the YMCA and I really enjoyed them, so when I was eight I started on the swim team. I really enjoyed practicing and hanging out with my teammates and at ten I won my age division in the state championship and that’s what really made me fall in love with the sport,” Stout said.
Stout excels in multiple events but her main events are the 100 yard and 200 yard breaststroke. It was in the 100 yard breaststroke that she broke the school record by swimming a 1:06.27. While the previous record standing at a honorable 1:06.70. She experienced a range of emotions after shattering this school record ranging from relier to excitement.
“I was pretty excited because I’ve been having a difficult season so far and it was a big confidence booster. It was a really cool experience as well as surprise to break the school record,” Stout said.
Even though she is on the younger side of a more experienced team many of her teammates admire her work ethic and love being around her as she brings a positive attitude to the team.
“She’s super sweet, brings such positive energy to the team and is a great person to be around,” senior Emily Reese said.
While she still has a three years left of high school, she is already envisioning what she would like to do after she graduates from high school.
“I hope to go to college to study computer science as well as be on the swim team. I don’t have any specific schools I would like to attend but I do know I would like to stay close to home,” Stout said.
FUN FACTS
Favorite Artist: Shane and Shane
Favorite Athlete: Katie Ledecky
Hobbies: Journaling, spending time in nature and baking
Pre meet Hype Song: Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift
