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Tony Costa

Mia Shaeffer diving into a spectacular swim season.

Sophomore Mia Shaeffer is an outstanding swimmer and leader who not only shows her strength on the individual level, but also helps elevate the Coronado swim team to the next level. Only in her second year swimming as a Cougar, she has already qualified individually for state and been named most valuable swimmer.
Shaeffer, who exceptionally excels in the 100 fly and the 200 individual medley, is ranked in the top #25 five times for individual and relay events in Colorado 4A: The 200 medley relay, the individual 200 medley, the 200 free relay, the 400 free relay, and the 100 fly, in which she is ranked fifth in the state with a exceptional time of 58.76.

Mia, who has swam for 7 years competitively, has achieved the success she has, according to Coach Katie Baker, because of her “discipline, humility, focus, and selflessness”. Even with only two years of Coronado swimming under her belt she has become a key member of team and her positive impact on the team is already evident. Freshman swimmer Alex Costa said about Mia, “She is someone I look up to because she is really nice and friendly, and always has a positive attitude.” Her passion for swimming is evident whenever she swims, and according to Coach Baker, “Mia has an incredible work ethic. She sets the tone in the water with how she completes workout and doesn’t say to much. She lets her actions do the talking.” Her love of the sport has definitely been reflected in her success this season; even with three meets yet to be completed, Shaeffer has already accumulated 28 first and second place finishes, and a ticket to state for her outstanding efforts.

As the season comes to a close her hopes for state are for the team’s success as they compete against 4A competition and to advance to the finals in 100 fly. Nevertheless, with two years left of swimming at Coronado, Mia is bound to keep supporting the team, whether it is in individual events or swimming a myriad of distances and strokes in relays.

Get the scoop on another outstanding student in two weeks with the next Athlete in the Spotlight!