West Orange Times: Sports Spotlight — Giovanna Souza

A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Giovanna Souza has been a member of the Ocoee swimming team since her sophomore year.  Her events include the 200 free, 200 medley and 200 fly, in which she competed at regionals Saturday, Nov. 9.

How did you first get into swimming?

It was back in Brazil when I was 4, and my dad actually wanted me to go. Then I started liking it and I decided to stay in it.

Since you first started swimming, what has been your favorite thing?

Besides the sport, I feel like it’s friendships — it’s something that you take on for life, like a family.

What’s the most challenging part about swimming at the high-school level?

I feel like it’s balancing school and swimming, because that’s hard, because I get home and I still have a lot of homework.

Do you have a favorite event that you swim?

The 200 free. I feel like it’s better; it’s just like my style — my stroke. I’m just good at it. I also like the 200 fly, too. 

What’s the biggest difference with competitions between swimming in Brazil and swimming here in the U.S.?

The first thing I’ve noticed is that here we are more united than we are in Brazil, because in Brazil I feel like it’s more about the competition, so we’re not really helping each other. But here we just come together and we always empower each other.

Is there a highlight moment that stands out to you?

I think it was my sophomore year that I went to regionals for the first time and it was the first time a girl had ever gone to regionals in an individual stroke from Ocoee.

What was the moment like for you?

I can’t even describe it — I was so happy. I feel like everywhere I go I have to leave my mark behind and that was it — it meant a lot.

Coming into the season, as a senior, did you have any goals in place?

I’ve gone to regionals my sophomore and junior year, and this year I wanted to go to states — that’s my goal — because I’ve never been.

It’s your last year of high-school swim. How are you feeling about that?

I feel like it went by so fast, but it was a good fast. I feel like that is something I’ll never forget, because it’s the high-school experience.

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given about swimming?

You always have to push yourself — you can never give up.

What happens after you graduate?

I plan on swimming in college — I don’t know which one yet, but that’s what I plan to do. (Then) the Olympics — that’s what this is all about for me, that has always been my dream.