Asphalt Green’s Swim for the Future Scholarship was created in honor of two Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) 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 Swim Team member Saida Zerouali, 15, received the Swim for the Future Scholarship. Learn more about this talented swimmer!

 

Name: Saida Zerouali

Age: 15

School: Convent of the Sacred Heart, sophomore

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite food: Pizza topped with pasta (extra fuel before swimming the 200-meter butterfly)

Favorite class: English

Favorite music: Sam Smith

Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate with the exception of ice cream. Ice cream is best vanilla!

 

Q: How did you get into swimming?

A: I come from a family of swimmers—my aunt and uncle even swam for the AGUA Swim Team. I’m not as coordinated on land, so I stuck with swimming!

 

Q: How long have you been on the AGUA Swim Team?

A: I’ve been with the AGUA Swim team since I was 8 years old, so for 7 years!

 

Q: What is your typical week like?

A: Tuesdays and Thursdays I have morning and evening practices, so I’m up at 4:30am. I have practice in the afternoon on Wednesdays, which means I get to sleep in (by that she means she wakes up at 6:30am). I only have practice in the morning on Friday, so my evenings are free for me to see friends from school. I get to rest on Mondays and Saturdays—no swim practice. Then, I have practice in the morning on Sundays. In addition to swimming, I’m also a member of my high school cross country team, which is a good way for me to be involved at school.

 

Q: How do you balance school and sports?

A: This year, I’ve been able to do a lot of my homework during my free periods at school. I like being able to go home after practice and have dinner, watch my favorite TV show, Criminal Minds, and then go to sleep.

 

Q: Why do you think competitive sports are so important?

A: When I have time off, I don’t know what to do with myself! Swimming keeps me busy, and I get to interact with a lot of people, especially at big swim events.

 

Q: What advice do you have for future swimmers?

A: Listen to your coaches. They know what is best for you!