UP & COMERS

AGE GROUP SWIMMER OF THE MONTH

BY SHOSHANNA RUTEMILLER | PHOTO BY MORGAN COTTER

Keelan Cotter, now 15, graduated from the 13-14 age group rankings with two short course yards national age group records: 200 freestyle relay (1:33.30, along with TAC Titan teammates Claire Curzan, Taylor Morris and Elena Dry) and 200 medley relay (1:41.87/Curzan, Abby Clark and Morris).

Now, she’s making waves in high school! The Green Hope High School sophomore claimed two All-America A-cuts at the North Carolina 4A high school championships in February. Cotter took first place in the 500 yard freestyle with a 4:47.87—nearly five seconds below the standard—and also placed second in the 200 free with a 1:48.48, just below the All-America A-cut.

Although freestyle may be her strength, Cotter is an all-around talented swimmer, regularly gracing the podium in the IM events at her championship club meets. Looking back at her age group record, Cotter regularly claimed titles in everything from the 100 butterfly and breaststroke to the 1500 freestyle. With so much versatility, it’s no wonder Cotter is looking forward to her upcoming recruiting season!

Cotter comes from a closely bonded swimming family. She and her two older brothers, Colin and Michael, enjoy driving to swim practice together. Michael, who also attends Green Hope High School as a junior, recently committed to North Carolina State University.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU DO IN SWIMMING?

I think the best thing I do in swimming is competing. I’ve always had a competitive personality, and I love to race for something bigger than myself. My best meets are always swum when my team is working toward a common goal.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOUGHEST WORKOUTS/SETS YOU’VE DONE?

Some of the toughest sets I have done include: • 6 x 400 IM • 30 x 100 best average • 20 x 200 IM • 3K for time • Run swims: 4x {run a mile, swim a 1000

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SWIMMING?

I truly love the team culture of swimming. Team goals create such a motivating environment and strengthens the bond between me and my teammates.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?

I’m really looking forward to starting the recruiting process this summer and having the opportunity to meet new people and coaches.

WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN SWIMMING...AND WHY?

I look up to a number of female college swimmers. I have grown up on teams with many of them, and I admire their team spirit, work ethic and dedication.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES?

When I’m not swimming, I really enjoy going to the lake with my friends and playing with my dog, Finn. v

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