Lexi Duchsherer plans to end high school with new records and another state title
BISMARCK, N.D. (BVM) — Century’s Lexi Duchsherer had one of the best seasons of her swimming career on just one leg last season.
The August before her junior year and two days before the Junior National Championships in Palo Alto, Calif., she fractured her fibula, tibia and femur.
Not knowing she had injured herself, she went to the Junior National Championships and had personal bests, “with no legs,” in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Once she returned home, she went to the doctor and learned the true extent of her injury.
“I thought my season was done for high school,” Duchsherer said. “I was crushed.”
However, after a conversation with her coach, Kathy Aspass, they figured out a way for Duchsherer to continue competing and not miss the season.
“I did barely any kicking,” Duchsherer said.
Using one leg for turns and starts, she pulled for the entire season to limit the use of her legs. In November, she broke the NDHSAA state record for the 50 freestyle, a record she had set the year before.
By the time of the state tournament she was about 80%, but that was all she needed. Duchsherer defended her individual state title in the 100 freestyle, won her third straight title in the 50 freestyle and was a part of the relay team that won the 400 freestyle relay.
She and the Patriots would end up winning their fifth straight state title with Duchsherer still not fully healed.
This was the season that caught the attention of college scouts and eventually led to Duchsherer’s commitment to swim at the University of Arizona.
Those who know Duchsherer would not be surprised at her dedication to her team and commitment to competing even when injured. Although she first began swimming in the fourth grade as just something fun to do, by seventh grade she was competing with high schoolers and going toe to toe with them.
“That’s kind of the point I fell in love and figured out I can actually be good at this,” Duchsherer said. “I can continue on after high school.”
It was at this time Duchsherer took her training to the next level and became a student of the sport.
“I started actually thinking while I was swimming. Before I was just swimming to swim,” Duchsherer said.
Now she was focused on her mechanics and taking note of how she swam so that she could actively make adjustments when needed. With the help of Aspaas, who coached the last great swimmer to come from North Dakota, Dagny Knutson, Duchsherer was on her way to being the best swimmer in the state.
She improved rapidly from seventh grade-on, contributing to the state championship Century won. She pushed her teammates as they pushed her, creating Patriot teams that have taken over North Dakota swimming.
Duchsherer and Century have broken state records in the 20 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.
“Team events are my favorite events. I would do those any day over individual events,” Duchsherer said. “I feel like that’s where we do our best.”
As a team, the Patriots have been unstoppable. As an individual, Duchsherer has taken over the state.
“When I swim in North Dakota I know I’m the best and I don’t have to worry about who I am trying to impress,” Duchsherer said. “I’m not here to impress anyone else, I’m here for me. The confidence that is there, I stay humble, confident, not cocky.”
She entered each meet that way and when she began to compete on the national level, she had to remind herself of that mentality.
“I realized I could do some of these bigger meets; I belong here,” Duchsherer said. “I worked my way to get here. I have the times like everyone and I deserve to be here.”
However, before she sets her eyes on collegiate and even Olympic aspirations, she has unfinished business at Century. Above all else, a sixth consecutive state title is most important, but she also wants to improve upon her state record in the 50 freestyle. She also wants to break Dagny Knutson’s 100 freestyle record.
“That is the one that has the target on it right now,” Duchsherer said. “I’m coming for it.”
With her leg back to 100% and the mentality she has, it would not surprise anyone to see that record fall to Duchsherer as well. It would add another achievement to a continuously growing list of swimming accomplishments for Duchsherer and solidify her belief that swimming was meant for her.
“I know I’m meant to be here and this is what I’m meant to do,” Duchsherer said.
