Junior Hailey Schmit has been making waves in synchronized swimming since she was in eighth-grade. She first joined a club team when she was six and now 11 years later, she is the best in the state.

Schmit has been in the top extended category since she was in eight-grade.There are three different divisions in the sport, the three divisions are short, long and extended. Schmit started in the long division skipping short when she was in seventh grade. After earning first in her long team, Schmit moved up into the extended division.

“Synchro is a pretty subjective so its hard to tell how much I’ve improved based off a score,” Schmit said.

Schmit has been a top swimmer on the team. Since Schmit joined in seventh grade, she has earned all State and has received it every year after making her a four time all State recipient. Schmit has gotten first in figures, solo, duet and team for the past four years.

Freshman Neva Sanders said Schmit is a good role model, and a good representation of what the team strives to achieve.

Schmit has been competing since she was six. Schmit started in first grade on the club team. Schmit and her older sister Paige Schmit joined synchro at the same time working with their mom who is a coach for both club swim and the high school team. Schmit and her sister Paige swam three duets together during the high school seasons.

“I’ve become more focused on myself and how much I think I’m actually improving,” Schmit said.

Schmit swims year round. During the fall, Schmit joins the swim and dive team for the high school and swims under Coach Luke. During part of the fall and the winter months, she joins the club team and goes on until late in the summer for Nationals. While she is doing club, she also joins the high school team in the spring. During the spring months, she practices seven times a week. Schmit’s dedication to the pool helps her grow and improve in the pool. During the spring, she will practice around 26 hours in the pool.

Sophomore and duet partner Gabby Lalande said Schmit “does all the extra clubs, summer clubs, nationals and high school” when asked about what sets Schmit apart from other swimmers.

Schmit has been swimming for most of her life, and it shows. Whether she is in practice, club or nationals, she always puts in the extra work. With her mindset and drive, there is no doubt Schmit will keep leading the way in and out of the pool.