Promising Seniors-To-Be 2007: Kristen Shickora

PHOENIX, Arizona, May 30. KRISTEN Shikora, who swims for Gwen Whildin at Marian Catholic High in Tamaqua, Pa., and Matt Beckwith at the Atlantis Aquatic Club in Lehigh Valley, Pa., is the next swimmer up for the spotlight in our Promising Seniors-To-Be series on SwimmingWorldMagazine.com.

As of the May 26 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) release of All-American candidates, Shickora is the top-ranked junior in the 100 back with a time of 55.30 that places her fourth overall in the event. Additionally, Shickora clocked a 23.50 in the 50 free to make the applicants list.

Shickora, coming off a busy end-of-semester run in school, took part in an interview with SwimmingWorldMagazine.com.

Was there a watershed mark in your career that made it clear you had a gift for the sport and could achieve big things?
When I was 13 years old and made my first Trials cut during Speedo Sectionals at the University of Maryland.

What type of interaction do you have with your coach when it comes to training? What kind of input do you have?
My coach and I get along very well. He himself was a backstroker, so it helps when he gives me advice from his own personal experiences. What he says goes, however, he does value my input and feedback.

What are your goals for your senior season?
My senior season goal is to continue to improve. I want to be consistent and aggressive with my training, and concentrate on technique.

Who has made the biggest impact on your swimming career to this point?
Many people have helped to get me to where I am today. My brother and sister are very supportive. My parents and grandparents, who drive me over an hour each way to practice each day, but especially my coaches and teammates who continue to challenge me daily. I am grateful for all of them.

Have you verbally committed to any University? If so, which one and why? If not, who is in your top five and why?
No, I haven't committed. I don't want to limit myself because there are so many good schools, but I would say California, Georgia and North Carolina are among my top six or seven. The key to my decision is how comfortable I'm going to feel with the coaching staff.

What has the recruiting process been like for you?
So far it's been pretty low key, but I realize that after July 1 that will change. It's something I'm looking forward to.

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