In the competitive lanes of girls swimming, Catelyn Fonda is making many waves in the water. The senior has really made her mark at Westside High School, winning many of her events along with setting new records. Fonda set a pool record at the Westside Invitational a few weeks ago with a time of 5:11.27 in the 500 freestyle. Along with this, the commitment, hard work and dedication she has made to the swim team has not gone unnoticed. As a senior, Fonda is excited to continue her swimming career next year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee(UWM), where she’ll join the Panthers’ swim team.
Being such a strong student at Westside both academically and athletically, Fonda had many options to where she wanted to attend college.
“My top three schools were University of Maryland, UW Milwaukee and then Florida Tech,” Fonda said.“All of those schools had really great academic and athletic programs which is why they felt right for me. Obviously the other two were really far away but they are all really good schools.”
There were many things about UWM that drew Fonda in, including the great academics, location and great team atmosphere.
“I am going to be double majoring in biology and freshwater science and I am obviously going to be on the swim team,” Fonda said. “So just kind of juggling academics and swim is going to be my plan.”
UWM is very unique from other universities, having many special opportunities and programs for their students.
“UWM is in Milwaukee and it’s right on the lake,” Fonda said.
“We have a freshwater science program and a vessel that goes out on the lake. But most importantly, UWM has a great swim team,” Fonda said. “All the girls are so nice and the team is so friendly and really competitive which is why I loved the school so much.”
A big part of every athlete’s senior season is senior night. With the construction being done at Westside and the Warriors not having a home pool to celebrate the night at, this year’s senior night for the swim team was a little different.
“It felt nice to be recognized for all of the work, time, and effort the team has put in over the past four years,” Fonda said. “Normally for senior night we have baby pictures on the wall. So it was different to just walk out and hear everyone’s names get called.”
Even though the changes with the pool this year may not have been pleasant, Fonda knows it’s what’s best for the swim program.
“The new pool will help because so many people will come and I feel like it will help people be more aware of Westside’s swim and dive,” Fonda said.
Fonda has cherished her time at Westside High School, appreciating the support of her coaches and the strong sense of community it has brought. But is also ready to take on her next step in life.
“I have gained so many friendships from Westside,” Fonda said. “It has been such a great community from the swim team that has been a help to me for the past four years. I have had such a great time swimming with all of my friends and also working with Andy and Eric and Liz so it’s been really great.”
With state coming up, all eyes are on the Warriors with them hoping to three-peat.
“It means a lot to us, we’re definitely shooting for first and like Andy said, this year we are kind of the hunted, everyone is coming for us, so it means a lot to keep that title,” Fonda said.
