Four De Soto High School swimmers have qualified to compete at State on May 20. Juniors Gabby Mallozzi and Kayla Deghand, along with sophomores Kenzie and Haley Dalrymple received the qualfying times in two of their relays.

A lot of work had to be put in by all members of the relay team in order to achieve a qualifying time. “We worked a lot on transitions in between each swimmer so we could get a quick start,” Mallozzi said. “We also practiced our relays at practice a lot so by the time we had a meet, we worked really well together and knew what to expect from eachother.”

According to Kenzie, the relay team is still looking to improve their times and qualify in another relay.

“There’s always room for improvement, and I know our relay team wants to try to qualify in the 200 Medley relay,” Kenzie said. “To be able to reach our goals we need to do more out of the pool, like running to build up our legs for a powerful kick and endurance.”

The swimmers had to prepare for meets not only physically, but mentally.

“We watched a lot of motivational videos and stuff to try to train mentally,” Haley said.

All of the qualifying swimmers agree that swimming in a relay comes with way more pressure than swimming their individual races.

“You don’t want to be the reason that the team doesn’t get the time they were aiming for or got disqualified,” Kenzie said.

Mallozzi adds that she “almost always swims faster in relays.”

Swimming in a relay is not all pressure though. According to Kenzie, it also comes with a lot of fun.

“Swimming in a relay is also very fun. I love the pre-race cheer we do before every race,” Kenzie said. “It’s a great way to bond and make friends.”

As well as recieving a qualifying time in the 200 Medley, the relay team members also have individual goals for the season.

Mallozzi is hoping to qualify for State in at lease one individual race, as well as have one of the relays make it to finals at State.

Haley is hoping to qualify for State in the 50 Free and drop time in the 100 Fly.

Kenzie would like to drop time in her 100 Backstroke and 100 Freestyle, if not qualify for State.