CO-SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
Carly Holland, Rogers Heritage
Julie Sakalares saw that familiar spark in Carly Holland's eye after a strong performance in the conference meet.
Sakalares, the Rogers Heritage swim coach, said she set herself up for a big performance at the state meet and the junior delivered in a big way.
Hollland won the 100-yard freestyle and 100 backstroke, breaking the state record in the latter event. She was honored as the All-NWADG Co-Swimmer of the Year for her accomplishments.
"She felt really confident after conference," Sakalares said. "Our goal going into state was for her to win both events. Both of the times were personal bests by quite a bit."
Sakalares said Holland's big state meet should serve as a nice springboard going into her senior season. As a sophomore, Holland finished second in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly at the state meet. Despite swimming year-round, she had not seen much improvement in her times from last year.
"Swimming can be like running," Sakalares said. "It's repetitive and you need something to say 'this is why I keep doing this.'
"It was great to see her so excited. She had tears in her eyes. I joke with her 'What are you gonna do next year?' But this gave her that boost in confidence."
Holland also helped Heritage's 200 medley relay team break the school record at the state meet.
-- Paul Boyd• @NWAPaulB
Sports on 03/24/2015