Only six years old and living in Thailand, Nicole Schottler dipped her toes, both literally and figuratively, in the water of swimming, later proving to be one of the best swimmers in De Soto High School history.

“My mom had never been good at swimming, so she wanted us to learn to swim. So I started swim lessons and I really liked it, so I joined the school swim team,” Schottler, a sophomore, said.

What began as a fun hobby would become an intense, competitive sport for Schottler after her 10 years of swimming.

Joining the DHS swim team as a freshman, Schottler would prove to make her mark on the team and greatly contribute to their success.

On April 9 at Bonner Springs, Schottler competed in the 200 meter medley, which combines all four strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. In only her first time competing in the event, Schottler broke the school record with a time of 2 minutes and 36 seconds. The team won first place at the meet and saw many great achievements among the varsity swimmers, including the school record swim.

Yet, this was not Schottler’s first time making DHS swim history. Last year she also broke the 500 meter freestyle record with a time of 6 minutes and 11 seconds.

This swim season, Schottler has competed in a variety of events including the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle, 500-meter freestyle, 100-meter fly and 200-meter medley.

Besides the team which helps to motivate her, Schottler has a pure passion for the sport.

“I love just getting in the water and giving it your all and really trying to improve,” Schottler said.

Schottler has high hopes for her future in DHS Swimming.