PALM SPRINGS, CA – February 6, 2023– Elite Otters Swim Team competed at the Eastern Committee Championship Swim Meet in Temecula, CA this past weekend.  Although the weather was chilly, the swimming was smoking fast with another Otter qualifying for CA/NV Sectionals. Daniela Scott achieved her first-ever Sectionals Cut and will join Ava Otteson at the California/Nevada Sectionals in Carlsbad, CA March 2-6.

Daniela Scott swam personal best times in 5 out of 6 races.  The highlight of the meet was her 100 Butterfly where she qualified for her first Sectionals Cut swimming a personal best time (by 2 full seconds) of 58.93.  The race was exciting right down to the finish!  Scott swam a near-perfect race and was barely out-touched, but still managed to bring home the bronze medal.  Scott also impressed the crowds by bringing home the silver medal in the 50 Freestyle while competing as one of the youngest in her age group.

Ava Otteson had a phenomenal meet bringing home 4 gold medals and 1 silver medal while swimming personal best times in 4 out of 5 races. Otteson was most impressive in the 400 IM dropping 15 seconds and in the 200 Breaststroke skimming 9 seconds.  Otteson swam an impressive 100 Butterfly making a valiant comeback and winning the race by .02 of a second.

Coach Laura Otteson commented, “Both girls are phenomenal swimmers. They are true examples of how hard work in practice pays off when it's time to compete.  The best part of the meet was when Ava (Otteson) realized that Dani (Scott) had achieved her 1st Sectionals Cut in the 100 fly. Ava reached across the lane and both girls embraced.  It was really special."

About ELITE Otters Swim Team:

ELITE Otters Swim Team, the Coachella Valley’s premier and fastest-growing swim team, is dedicated to providing positive encouragement and opportunity for all swimmers to pursue excellence in a safe environment, while also working to build self-discipline, sportsmanship and integrity.  Our primary focus is teaching proper stroke technique, racing skills and building endurance so our swimmers can compete and excel at ELITE levels.  Coaches believe communication, high expectations, and setting goals are critical components in achieving success in life and in the pool.  For more information please visit the team’s website at www.ELITEOtters.com