AGUA swimmers Isabel Gormley and Sophia Zhang share their experience from USA Swimming’s Zone Select Camp, an invitational camp that identifies and develops top teenage talent.
Representing Asphalt Green at the 2015 Eastern Zone Select Camp was a great opportunity and an honor. Zone Select Camps are the first step toward becoming an elite swimmer in the United States.
During camp, we had the opportunity to meet the top swimmers in our age group from the East Coast as well as some of the best coaches. It was a unique opportunity to learn from swimmers and coaches alike.
Over three and a half days, we had five practices and five learning sessions. The learning sessions were filled with motivational speeches, and practices pushed our limits with tough swimming sets. Several national team members shared their experiences competing as an elite athlete—from traveling to Hawaii for the Junior Pan Pacific Championships to placing 17th at Olympic Trials.
More than anything, the camp taught us to appreciate the camaraderie and team spirit, which is an important aspect of any team, especially AGUA. Attending the Eastern Zone Select Camp was a fantastic experience, and we hope more AGUA swimmers will be represented in the future.
—Isabel Gormley and Sophia Zhang