Promising Seniors-To-Be 2007: Katharine Riefenstahl

PHOENIX, Arizona, May 15. IN the next profile in SwimmingWorldMagazine.com's Promising Seniors-To-Be series, we feature Katharine Riefenstahl, who swims for legendary head coach Richard Shoulberg at the Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pa.

As of the May 4 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) release of All-American candidates, Riefenstahl is third in the nation, and the top junior, in the 200 free (1:47.42). She also stands eighth in the 100 free (50.43) and is the top junior in that event as well.

Meanwhile, she also put times of 23.51 (50 free), 55.90 (100 back) and 2:02.49 (200 IM) on the list.

Here is our interview with Riefenstahl:

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 10 years old, I attended a zone meet in Maryland and won all eight of my events. This was the first time I felt I had a gift for the sport.

What type of interaction do you have with your coach when it comes to training? What kind of input do you have?
Coach Shoulberg and I have a dynamic relationship in and out of the pool. He always listens to what I have to say and we know how to work together to help accomplish my goals.

What are your goals for your senior season?
My goals for the senior season are to continue to improve on my times and to help my high school and club teams excel.

Who has made the biggest impact on your swimming career to this point?
It is impossible to pick one person who has made the biggest impact on my swimming career thus far. The entire swimming community at Germantown Academy as well as my family and friends have all contributed to my success.

Have you verbally committed to any University? If so, which one and why? If not, who is in your top five and why?
I have only just begun to look at universities with strong academic and athletic programs. I am still evaluating what might be a good geographical as well as social fit.

What has the recruiting process been like for you?
I am still in the preliminary stages of recruiting and have only been able to receive written information and e-mails to date.

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