ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sarah Passilla

A sophomore for the West Orange High School swimming and diving program, Sarah Passilla has gotten her varsity career off to quite a start. This season has seen Passilla, a native Floridian, break her own school record in the 100-meter fly from a season ago and, just recently, she set the school record for the 100-meter freestyle with a 53.88. 

What’s it like to break school records — some of which have been standing since the 1980s?

It’s actually kind of crazy … being able to see my own hard work pay off when I beat the times and see how old (the records) are.

How do you think the season is going for the team?

It’s been pretty great — everyone has been running their best times and everyone’s been really excited.

What’s your favorite event and why?

The 100 (meter) fly. I just always like the stroke — like the feel of it in the water. It’s not too long, it’s still kind of sprinting. It’s fun.

Have there been any upperclassmen to whom you have looked up?

Definitely. Most of the captains. All of the captains, every year, they’ve got the attitude — they’re just so positive. It’s like, “Let’s go out there and do this but still in a fun way.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your schedule?

It’s really busy. I obviously have school every day, and I switch back and forth — I sometimes have two-a-days at (Southwest STARS Aquatics), or I go in the morning before. (Then) it’s pretty much go home, do homework and get ready for the next day.

What day during Homecoming Week has been your favorite?

I love the dressing up and the school spirit. … The “Wannabe Wednesday (Day),” you can literally be, like, anything you wanted.

What’s your favorite class?

I started taking ceramics this year, and I didn’t know how I was going to like it, but I really liked it.

What’s the last book or article you read for leisure?

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green.

What’s your food of choice after a meet or practice?

Usually spaghetti. I go home, and my mom just makes a whole bunch of pasta.

What do you like about swimming on a relay team and swimming as an individual, respectively?

Relays — I really like that it’s, like, a team thing. You can cheer for people as they’re going. It’s not just you, you have to depend on your teammates. And individually, you know what you have to do. 

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten in relation to swimming?

Just, you’ve got to keep going. Even if you don’t want to go to practice that day. You’ve got to try your best if you want to get better.

What’s your favorite television show?

“Vampire Diaries.”

Have you given much thought to where you’d like to go to college?

Nope. Both my parents went to Clemson, but I haven’t really thought about where I want to go to college.

What’s your favorite team to support at West Orange?

Football.