The Endless Summer Student balances competitive swimming with school and modeling

GABY SORIANO Staff Gsoriano.roundupnews@gmail.com

As Eryn Krouse dives into the pool at the Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center, she sheds the day’s troubles while gliding through the cool waters. For Krouse, this is where she finds peace. This is where she abandons the constraints of school and work, and melts into the shifting depths.

Nicknamed “shark” and “dolphin” by her followers on social media, Krouse balances her life as a swimmer and as a model.

Krouse, 20, began taking swimming lessons as a young child. Soon after, she started competing in swimming competitions at the age of 8. On her growing list of pastimes, Krouse is a serious surfer, and also indulges in free-diving.

The full-body workout and teamwork of competitive swimming challenged Krouse both mentally and physically, which attracted her to the sport.

“When you’re able to push yourself to what you think is your limit, but then you push past that – it’s just a great achievement, and that’s why I found it interesting from both the physical and mental aspects,” Krouse said.

Krouse credits her ability to withstand the robust physicality of long-distance swimming to her time in the ocean, which has kept her stamina going throughout a race. Krouse’s swimming stroke is the backstroke, and admits that it came to her from natural ability from her body type and her movements.

Being part of the Pierce College women’s swim team, Krouse’s hard work was noticeable among her teammates and coaches. Her diligence and drive was a key component in helping the team when they competed against opponents.

“She’s one of the fastest people on the team and one of the top