story by Leigh Campbell, photos by Maria Donnelly

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She has been described as the “best swimmer in STA history,” broken three records and has nine of eleven possible State qualifying times in just half a season on the team.

And she is just a sophomore.

Swimmer Andie Round broke STA’s 100 meter free and 50 meter free records Jan. 25-26 at the Kansas City Classic Swim and Dive meet. Round also broke the 100 meter fly record Dec. 30 at Lee’s Summit High School.

“I am really proud of Andie,” teammate Taran Smith said. “I believe her competitiveness is what helps her break those records. She is extremely competitive, in a good way, and uses that to push herself to work harder.”

Round’s performance at the KC Classic Swim and Dive meet propelled her to the top ranked swimmer in Missouri for the 50 and 100 meter freestyle races.

Alumna Rosie Hutchison previously held all three records. Round broke the 100 meter free record in a time of 52.65 seconds, the 50 meter free in 24.23 seconds and the 100 meter fly record in 59 seconds, according to swim manager Rachel Alexander.

“I used to train club with Rosie and I can not be more honored to hold a record that she had before me,” Round said.

Although a sophomore, this is Round’s first year swimming for St.Teresa’s. Round credits senior swimmer Katie Hornbeck for convincing her to join the team.

“[Hornbeck] was relentless in asking me to join and I was hesitant at first,” Round said. “You know, it was an entire different thing to add to the mix of things and I was nervous. I finally decided to join. I couldn’t be happier.”

Round swims club with coach Mary Jo Klier at Kansas City Swim Academy. Although at first hesitant about how high school training might affect her long term club goals, Round made the decision with her coach’s blessing.

“I think that [Klier] wants [her swimmers] to be apart of the high school team so that we can have new experiences and not grow tired of the sport,” Round said. “I can equally focus on my short term goals for State while carrying on my training and experience to my club team.”

Round is focusing her efforts on the 50 and 100 meter freestyle races, which she hopes to win at State. She has nine of eleven possible State cuts, or qualifying times, according to Alexander.

“I really just want to be happy with how I swim at State, which is sometimes a problem for me,” Round said. “I always want to do better but I am working really hard and I hope I can achieve those goals for myself and my team.”

Round has already mapped out a plan for herself for the next seven years. She would like to compete in the 2016 Olympic trials and place at nationals in the summer of 2015.

“I think it will happen for me one day if I continue to work hard,” Round said.

She would then like to go to college on the coast and be a contender for the 2020 Olympic team.

“I will let the sport take me where it takes me. Nothing is impossible, nothing unattainable,” Round said.