Q&A with Cedarburg HS swimmer Grace Drabot
CEDARBURG, Wis. — A Q&A with Grace Drabot, 17, who is on the swim team at Cedarburg High School.
What do you love about your sport?
Grace Drabot: I love the team aspect of swimming. I can always count on my teammates to push me through a tough set, and we create a positive atmosphere on deck that makes me want to work harder.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your sport?
Drabot: My greatest accomplishment is being part of the 11-time conference-winning Cedarburg High School swim and dive team. I am incredibly proud of everyone who has been a part of the team, and I feel honored to carry the legacy to my senior year. I am also proud of qualifying for the Winter Junior National meet in December 2021. I love any travel meet, and qualifying for a national-level meet makes me proud of what I have been able to accomplish.
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Drabot: My biggest goal at the moment is to make my Olympic trials cut; I have held onto that goal for a while, and achieving that qualifying time would mean a lot. In college, my goal is to score at Big 10s and NCAAs. Another goal of mine is to be the best teammate I can be. Whether it’s cheering at a meet or pushing someone at practice, I think there is always improvement I can make that would contribute to the team spirit.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Drabot: I still struggle with the mental aspect of swimming. It’s something I have been working on for a while, and I am still learning how it affects my physical performance. It can be difficult to stay positive or motivated during a hard practice, but my coaches and teammates have helped me navigate the struggles. I am still learning to control my nerves before a race. I’m grateful that my sport encompasses the development of my mental health.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Drabot: I have been so nervous before races that it has negatively impacted my swimming. In those moments, I lost my focus and performed poorly, which taught me how important the mental aspect of sports is. I have learned to trust my training and know that my only focus is on the race in front of me.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Drabot: Before a race I tune out everything around, whether through music or breathing exercises. I like to stretch and jump around behind the blocks to get my body moving, then I take some deep breaths and am ready to race.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Drabot: My teammates have taught me so much: hard work, communication, patience, kindness. I spent my childhood on the pool deck, and my teammates and I have all grown up together. I could not be the person I am now without the lessons my teammates have taught me. Although swimming is thought of as an individual sport, there is a big team component to it.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Drabot: I can’t be afraid. I learned that I can’t fixate on the “what-ifs,” and I just need to enjoy doing what I love most: racing. Also, what I do is for the team. Knowing that I am representing my team, coaches and teammates gives me even more motivation to swim fast. I’m so thankful for my swimming environment, and anything I can do to show my appreciation drives me to work harder.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Drabot: I enjoy baking in my free time; it’s just a small thing that brings me joy. I appreciate any time that I have to hang out with my friends and family. It lets me escape and think about the little things. I cherish the limited free time I have with those closest to me.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Drabot: I’m grateful for the lessons swimming has taught me and the people I’ve met along the way. It gave me opportunities I could have never imagined. I’ve had great coaches who have taught me in and out of the pool, making me a better swimmer, better teammate and better person. I can’t say thank you enough to my coaches, teammates and family for their support.
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