Brielle Thomas and Katelyn Thomas are sisters on the Lambert Swim Team. The junior and sophomore have been swimming together on the team since last year and this season started on November 9 2024.
The sisters have to balance their busy practice schedule and academic commitments, which is not easy for high school swimmers due to their busy practice schedule. Katelyn typically has eight practices a week and her older sister, Brielle, has nine.
Katelyn Thomas is committed to balancing both school and swim.
“I practice in the mornings and afternoons on Mondays and Wednesdays, and then I have Sundays and Fridays off,” Katelyn said.
Despite their full schedule, Katelyn and Brielle find ways to stay on top of their schoolwork.
“I always make time for studying either before or after practice,” Katelyn added. “If I don’t have any time, you can catch me doing my schoolwork on the pool deck.”
Competing can often be very stressful. Both sisters shared that listening to music and getting support from their teammates really helps them get through the demanding meet days. Both music and their teammates help them prepare for a meet and also stay focused and motivated throughout the competition.
“They are all so encouraging during practice,” Katelyn shared. “I don’t know how I would survive a practice without [my teammates].”
The swimmers having a very close and welcoming dynamic is crucial for the individual and team success.
“Everyone is close with each other and we always love taking in new teammates,” Brielle added.
Different swimmers train different strokes to improve. Katelyn prefers breaststroke as her primary stroke.
“It’s my favorite because I train it the most and I find it easier,” Katelyn said.
Her older sister, Brielle, doesn’t have a favorite stroke, but she does have a least favorite.
“My least favorite stroke is butterfly because for me it’s extremely tiring and increases lactic acid a lot faster,” Brielle shared.
As the season is heating up, both sisters have some goals that they are looking to achieve.
“My goal is to go a best time in my main events,” Katelyn said.” I am working to achieve this by showing up and working hard at all the practices.”
Additionally, they both are hoping to win in the county meet and commit to a college in the future.
With their shared passion and dedication to swim, Brielle and Katelyn Thomas continue to show off their hard work in the pool as well as in schooling. The sisters are ready to make a splash this season!
