Ellie Oakes

How many years have you been swimming? 13 years

How did you get started in the sport? I joined the summer swim team in Kindergarten and then swam for the Hollidaysburg YMCA Tigersharks before High School swim.

What is your favorite event to swim? I really enjoyed the 200 Free and, although I hated it at first, I grew to love the 100 Fly.

What is your best memory from swim? The huge group hug after the 4 x 100 relay at the end of senior night. It was the last meet all of us would be swimming together and it was very emotional.

What personal achievement are you most proud of? Winning the 200 Free on Senior Night

What was your favorite set at practice? Least favorite? I loved continuous kick and any set where we used fins. I hated 50’s on the :45 and 5 x 200’s.

How has swimming impacted your life? Swim has taught me a lot of important skills, helped me to stay in shape, and given me some of my very best friends & most cherished memories. I also had the best coach ever, love you Tommy.

Any advice for future swimmers? Go to practice and work hard! Cherish the time you have because it will be over before you know it.

What are your plans after high school? Attend college to major in Communications.