Promising Seniors-To-Be 2007: Sarah Tanner

PHOENIX, Arizona, June 1. SARAH Tanner, who swims for Tim Beerman at Ursuline Academy and Chris Wolford of the Cincinnati Marlins in Ohio, is the next prospect 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, Tanner is the ninth-fastest swimmer in the 200 IM with a time of 2:01.85, while also posting times of 1:06.18 in the 100 breast and 55.26 in the 100 fly on the All-American consideration list.

Tanner took time out of her schedule to chat with SwimmingWorldMagazine.com about her upcoming senior year and the recruiting process.

Was there a watershed mark in your career that made it clear you had a gift for the sport and could achieve big things?
This year was really my "breakout" year with swimming. At the Ohio High School District Championships this past February, I dropped time in every event I swam. I achieved my Senior National times in 200 IM and 100 fly, which was something I wasn't expecting. I also broke Whitney Myers' District record in 100 fly. I also swam on the 200 medley and 200 free relays that set meet records. All of my training throughout the year came together and the results were exciting and rewarding.

What type of interaction do you have with your coach when it comes to training? What kind of input do you have?
When it comes to my training, Chris Wolford is a great coach for me. He lets me know what to do and why to do it. He thoroughly explains technique and mechanics as well as the logic behind my hard training. Chris also keeps my head in the game and keeps me positive on all levels. I trust him in all situations, which is important between a swimmer and a coach.

What are your goals for your senior season?
My number one goal is to keep improving my times and technique. For my senior season, I'm going to try to step up and be a team leader in every way possible. The Marlins are graduating a very talented senior class this year, and I want to help lead our team in maintaining the Marlin legacy. In my senior season with Ursuline Academy, I would like to repeat as State Champion in individual and relay events, but most importantly I would like to help lead the Lions to a State Championship title.

Who has made the biggest impact on your swimming career to this point?
My teammates at the Cincinnati Marlins, who I train with every day have had the biggest impact on my swimming career. We train in a competitive environment that brings out the best in everyone. We have fun and there is constant support and encouragement among us. Training with these people in this type of atmosphere has greatly benefited me as an athlete and it's taught me the importance of hard work and being part of a team.

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 not yet committed to a university, but for academic reasons I am interested in schools from a couple different conferences.

What has the recruiting process been like for you?
So far I have received letters and e-mails from schools, but I have not made any unofficial visits or made verbal contact. I am looking forward to July 1 when I will be able to talk to coaches and learn more about their swimming programs. I am both excited and a little nervous for recruiting!

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