The Oracle’s monthly Q & A with an athlete that was nominated by the sports editors and voted on by South students. 

Finishing off her third year of varsity swimming, junior Connie Chrones hopes to find success individually and as a team at the State meet on Nov. 11-12.

What are your goals for the season?

My goals are to finish off stronger and more confident than last year. Now that I have the State experience from last year, it won’t be as overwhelming. My goals for my breaststroke are to beat last year’s time, as well as going a personal best in my freestyle legs in the relays.

What is something many people don’t know about you?

I play the piano. It’s nothing big, but it’s something that I have been [doing] since first grade. I take lessons every week, [and I] have annual recitals. It’s a special ability that I have slowly but surely grown to love.

If you won the lottery, what would your first purchase be?

Probably refilling my Starbucks card and then buying my drink.

If you could play any other sport besides swimming, what would it be and why?

I would probably want to [play] volleyball. I used to play volleyball while I was younger, [and I] balanced both swimming and volleyball. But since they are both fall sports, I wasn’t able to try out freshman year. It’s seems like a good team with good people.

What is your favorite part about swimming?

The fact that it’s 100 percent you. Swimming is the one thing that helps me get away from the outside problems and only focus on myself and the sport. When you’re in the water, it’s so easy to think, and I find it peaceful. I can’t imagine my life without swimming, because it has become who I am and I’m proud of it.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

Listening to my pump up song “Wake Me Up” [by Avici] and bouncing up and down. It sounds silly, but it’s a swimmer thing. Stretching of course and then splashing water on myself before I’m on the blocks.

What advice would you give to other GBS athletes?

Enjoy the team that you are a part of. GBS is a special school with amazing people. Not only that, but take every opportunity you have to improve your skill at your sport. Every practice, every game, every meet, every time the coaches talk to you; it’s all helping you to get better so don’t take it for granted.