Name: Felicity Buchmaier

Grade: Senior

Sport: Swimming

Stroke: Backstroke, Butterfly, and Freestyle

Felicity ended last season as a State Champion for the second year in a row as well as being awarded the title of Division 2 State Swimmer of the entire meet. This year, she is ranked 5th in the state and is a team co-captain.

What successes have you and the team had last season, and the beginning of this season?

“Last season the Lady Rangers came in second in the OK White conference and third at D2 States. Personally, I was a state champ in the 100 fly and 100 back as well as D2 state swimmer of the meet. Being a state champ again was a lot of fun and it was relieving to see that everything had paid off. Some successes this season so far have been our team winning the Spartan Relays meet involving 11 other teams. We also had 3 individual relays place first within that meet. It was really fun to go to a big meet like that so early in the season and be able to compete and bring home some hardware.”

Why do you swim?

“I swim for lots of reasons. I absolutely love to race. You are pretty much always against the clock. I love that it’s an individual sport, but it’s also so team-based because we are always there for each other encouraging one another and watching them grow. I also like how it’s your choice whether or not you work hard; you put in the work and you get it back out.”

Who is your biggest inspiration in swimming?

“My biggest inspiration in my athletic career has got to be Michael Phelps. He is just such a phenomenal swimmer and there’s something beyond his stroke and power that makes him an incredible athlete. His mentality is great and he always seems to have a strategy which is important in swimming.”

What are your plans for the future in swimming?

“As of right now I plan on swimming in college, but I have no idea where.”

What is your favorite memory from swimming for FHC?

“My favorite memory from swimming for FHC is anchoring the 4×100 free relay as a sophomore at a home meet and our team-win because of our final relay. It was a super close race and it was exhilarating to make the final impact.”

What is a quote that inspires you?

“Don’t quit. No matter what. You started this season for a reason, and whether or not you still believe in that reason, you’re going to finish it for that reason.”