Ciana Fragnito takes hold of All-State title

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Photo Courtesy of Angie Kranz-This photo was taken at true team state and Ciana is seen swimming the breaststroke trying to go for the win. "I think it's the year-round training, as well as the teamwork and mindset that you need to have in order to be successful in a high school sport, that was able to help Ciana achieve All-State," sister Malaina Fragnito says.

Junior Ciana Fragnito grabs the all-state honorable mention on Nov. 18 for the Stillwater girls Varsity Swim and Dive. She finished 8th at the class AA meet, earning the all-state award.

Fragnito has been swimming her whole life starting out competitively in 4th grade and starting high school in 9th grade.

A lot of time has to be put in to get an all-state honorable mention and Ciana has been practicing non-stop throughout the summer to be the best she could be.

“I put in a lot of time this past summer leading up to the high school season with club swimming where we did 9 practices a week, which I feel contributed a lot to where I was able to get this season,” Fragnito said.

Fragnito is looking forward to swimming in college and has started looking and visiting the colleges she would like to go to.

“I have already started the recruiting process for colleges and I am talking to some division one NCAA schools that I plan to go visit and find a school with the right team and major for me,” Fragnito said.

Keeping a positive attitude and work ethic throughout the year is key for a successful season and Ciana managed to do this while having some fun.

“During the tougher meets, such as Cretin and Mounds View, the meets that Coach Luke knew we were ready for, she knew how to be serious and get the work done. But at the other ‘easier’ duel meets, she knew how to have fun and bring an exciting and fun atmosphere for everyone in the pool area,” sister sophomore Malaina Fragnito said.

Fragnito brought high scores to the team which helped them score 12th at State. Her high scores also helped her finish 8th in individual placement.

“Ciana was a very high scorer for the team all year.  She is a motivation to the entire team with her positive approach to the sport and life,” coach Brian Luke said.

Fragnito’s swimming season has been a success and she has had some great moments and some that taught her important lessons.

“The best part of the season was at state when I got out and my team all hugged me and was like, ‘you’re top 8, you made it you’re all-state,'” Fragnito said.

Ciana plans to improve for next year and repeat her success she had this season.

“I plan to keep working hard each day at practice during the club season for the next 9 months to get stronger and better techniques, all leading to improvements at my final meets,” Fragnito added.

“Ciana is a leader in practice both physically and mentally. She would always step up to lead our lane in a set when no one else would,” Malaina Fragnito said.