Asphalt Green’s Swim for the Future Scholarship was created in honor of two Asphalt Green Masters Swim Team members—Andrew Fisher and Doug Irgang—who tragically lost their lives on 9/11. Scholarships are awarded each year to talented AGUA Swim Team members.

 

This year, AGUA swimmer Inez received the Swim for the Future Scholarship. Learn more about this talented athlete!

 

Inez’s favorites:

Music: Tom Petty

Color: Purple

School subject: Art history

Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate

 

Q: How did you get into swimming?

A: My mom was a Division 1 swimmer at University of California, Los Angeles. Both my parents actually wanted me to play tennis, but once I started competitive swimming, I never looked back. I loved being in the pool.

 

Q: When did you join the AGUA team?

A: This is my second year on the AGUA swim team. I joined because I was looking for a more competitive training atmosphere. I wish I had come sooner!

 

Q: What are your goals in the sport?

A: I hope to qualify for junior and senior nationals. My big goal is to swim in college.

 

Q: What is a typical training week like?

A: We train 20 hours a week, and the intensity increases as we get closer to bigger meets. Practice is intense but fulfilling. Swimming is a repetitive sport, but the coaches always keep us on our toes by giving us specific techniques to focus on. It makes more tedious drills interesting.

 

Q: How do you balance swim and school?

A: I try to take everything one step at a time. I’ve learned to prioritize and manage my time well. If you really want something, you will make it work.

 

Q: Why do you think sports are important?

A: Sports give people structure and are healthy outlets to release energy. Once you’re at the competitive level, sports provide discipline. You learn if you really want something, you have to work hard to succeed.

 

Q: What is the team atmosphere like?

A: We are a community. Everyone is supportive of each other. Swimming is a tough sport, and knowing others are experiencing the same feelings helps me push through difficult sets. I’m inspired when I see other people excel.

 

Q: What does the Swim for the Future scholarship mean to you?

A: The scholarship means so much to me because it allows me to be part of the Asphalt Green community and train with one of the top teams in the country. Every day, I train with people who inspire me.