FRANKLIN, Wis — If Franklin High School junior Ava Goodno continues to show steady improvement in her times, there is no doubt she could find herself competing in her third straight WIAA State Girls Swimming & Diving Championships.

Goodno started swimming competitively at 9. She was taking lessons at Swim America when a coach noticed her natural talent and suggested she join the Southwest Aquatic Team (SWAT).

“My family and I were hesitant at first due to the hours of commitment being so much at a young age,” Goodno said. “After having some time to think about the decision to swim, we decided to go ahead and join the team.”

Goodno has gone on to become a distinguished athlete in her sport. During her freshman year, she was awarded athlete of the week and won the MVP award for swimming, the latter being an achievement she repeated her sophomore year.

With all the accolades, many would be surprised to learn that Goodno started to struggle with hip issues early in her career. She quickly learned the importance of taking care of her body.

However, the body is not without the mind, and Goodno has faced mental challenges along with the physical, too.

“During COVID, it was hard to find the motivation to keep going and push myself with so many inconsistencies,” Goodno said. “Staying motivated can be difficult, but I am dedicated and committed to my goals in the sport of swimming.”

Goodno’s current season has been going well, which she hopes continues. She feels her races have been strong. 

Goodno hopes to record her best times in the 100-meter freestyle and the 100m breaststroke to qualify for state. She would appear in each event for her third consecutive year. 

Now a junior, Goodno is starting to think about the future. She hopes to continue swimming after high school at a Division I school.

Although graduation is fast approaching, Goodno still has time to make more memories with her high school teammates.

“I love my team. Everyone has so much energy and humor,” Goodno said. “If anyone is having a bad day, we pick the person up. We are like a family. Everyone contributes different factors to the team which is what makes our team, our team.”

Goodno’s fondest memory of her career, so far, was of her first year at state.

“A group of four of us got to go to Madison the day before,” Goodno said. “I wasn’t too happy with my races, but being with them was what made it memorable and I was always thankful we got to be there together.”

Friendships are clearly important to Goodno, but it is not the only thing she has gained from her sport. She also appreciates how hard it has pushed her.

“There are times where I might feel like I am being pushed over my limits, but in the long run I am happy that I had my coaches and teammates to push me to reach my goals,” Goodno said.

Goodno has inarguably experienced much success in swimming. Now an upperclassmen, she is qualified to share some of the wisdom she has learned with younger athletes.

“I would say that if you feel like giving up on something or find yourself not wanting to do something, do it anyway,” Goodno said. “It might not matter how you swim at this meet and that meet, but if you have people that will always support you … stick to them; that is what matters. Not everything will be a smooth ride, … but all of these will contribute to your successes. Most importantly, have fun!”

A fan?

Follow your favorite teams

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.