Spotlight Swimmers: Skyler Yue and Anna Thompson
Senior Spotlight Swimmer - Skyler Yue
As Skyler Yue bids farewell to our swim team, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for his family's unwavering support and commitment throughout their time with us. It is always hard saying goodbye, and I cannot thank his family enough for the trust and support they have provided over the years.
From Skyler:
"Thank you for everything you have done for Jaden and me over all these years. I will always cherish the memories I made while swimming on LSAC. You're the best!"
How long have you been swimming?
I have been swimming for 13 years!
How did you get into swimming?
I began swimming at 5 years old because my parents thought I had too much energy that I should put into a sport. Eventually, upon entering summer league and falling in love with the competitive side of swimming, I joined Lone Star and never looked back.
What are your plans for next year?
Next year, I plan to attend The University of Texas at Austin, studying Kinesiology.
Long-term plans?
In the future, I plan to go to post-graduate school and become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Favorite LSAC memory?
My favorite LSAC memory was STX Champs 2022. In the finals of the 100 breast, I was swimming against my two good friends Kiefer Hoang and Ismael Garudo. To all of our surprise, we all achieved personal bests by over a second and all qualified for STAGS together. Best of all, after the meet, we all went to Ismael’s house and watched the Super Bowl together.
Favorite swim?
100 breast, but if I could swim it, the 100 IM.
Where are you going to school?
I’m going to the University of Texas at Austin. Hook ‘em!
Did you receive any scholarships?
I received the National Merit Finalist Scholarship for my SAT score and the Coach Christy Scholarship from The Dolphins, my summer league team.
What is your major?
I’m majoring in Kinesiology, specifically Exercise Science.
Recommendations for young kids?
Be intentional. The worst thing you can do in swimming is to go through the motions. Every practice, try to focus on one thing. Maybe it's taking one more underwater dolphin kick off each wall, one less breath each lap, etc. Try to improve every day at practice, even if it’s just a little bit, and eventually, all those little improvements will pay off big time.
Are you swimming in college?
Not competitively, but maybe for fun.
Academic advice?
Don’t doubt yourself; it’s okay to make mistakes. One of the things I hate most is when people say “I’m not smart enough to take ___ class.” But how would you know that unless you tried? Challenge yourself with classes that push you outside your comfort zone. Ultimately, even if you don’t get the grade you want, down the line, it will teach you how to be a better student and set you up for a better future.
Who is your favorite coach?
My favorite coach is Coach Adam. Over the many years I’ve been swimming under Coach Adam, he always made me feel like a person first, then an athlete. He was always very understanding and supported me in what was best for me and not just my athletics. He always made swimming fun, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s taught me in and out of the pool.
Other pointers?
RECOVERY IS KEY. Oftentimes, recovery can be more important than training. Sleep, hydration, and nutrition are essential for better training and thus better results. I know many of you are tired of hearing your parents and coaches tell you to sleep early, drink water, and eat your fruits and vegetables. But by doing all of these things, your body will recover better and enable you to train harder in the pool and improve that much faster. Especially before meets, getting the right food in your body can make or break your performance in the pool. My rule of thumb was no processed/fast food a week before a meet, and when I followed that regimen, it made a drastic difference in my performance. Treat your body like a luxury car and put the best gas you can into it.
Junior Spotlight Swimmer - Anna Thompson
Anna has been stepping up her game in the last 4 months, and it has made a huge impression on our coaching staff. Her unwavering willingness to step up to training and embrace the more difficult components of training have inspired not just our staff but her teammates as well.
During the time we spent at the RRAC training, Anna expressed a great desire to work on complicated areas like backstroke flip turns and was eager to demonstrate for her teammates. We look forward to more from Anna and greatly appreciate her leadership!
How long have you been with the team?
Four years
What are your favorite hobbies?
Gymnastics, making crafts, playing with makeup
What is your favorite stroke?
Breaststroke
What motivates you?
My friends - to keep going and having them by my side
Do you play other sports?
Yes - gymnastics, dance, and basketball
Do you like competing?
Yes - so much!
What are your long-term goals?
To keep getting better and to achieve a “B” time.
