Q&A with Healdsburg swimmer Hadley Ruetner
HEALDSBURG, Calif. — A Q&A with Hadley Ruetner who is a member of the swim team at Healdsburg High School.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Hadley Ruetner: Being a member of the swim team (especially the HHS swim team, which is full of so many great people who have come and gone and been such significant influences and leaders) has taught me to be a leader, as well as more confident in myself. Watching the seniors and juniors who have come before me has shaped who I want to be when I am in their place.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Ruetner: A volleyball coach a few years back told me that once you get on the court or in the pool, nothing else should affect your mindset but what you are doing. Focusing solely on your athletic life at that moment is important if you want to perform well.
What do you love about your sport?
Ruetner: Coach Lorna and Dean are the most supportive coaches I have ever had. They really take an interest in each and every one of us while keeping the atmosphere competitive and focused. The energy they bring to coaching fosters the kind of environment and climate that the HHS swim team is known for, healthy, fun, and supportive.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Ruetner: Outside of my sport, I take the competitive side of swimming into the culinary world and compete for a culinary club at my school, Skills USA. I also like to crochet, read, listen to podcasts and music, play with my 2-year-old sister, and be outside.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Ruetner: The biggest challenge in swimming is pushing yourself and your team. Swimming is an individual sport as well as a team sport, and being able to separate and combine the two aspects at certain times while competing is important to the success of the team and the individual.
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