Life in the Fast Lane

Name: Lisia Edwards

Grade: 12

Height: 5’2”

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Date of Birth: November 7, 2006

1. When and how did you start swimming? How long have you been on the Penguins, the Stuyvesant girls’ varsity swimming team? 

I started on a New City Parks swim team called Asser Levy when I was seven years old. My parents introduced swimming to me and my two sisters when we were very young, as we would go to our local swimming pool every weekend. My dad put my sisters on Asser Levy first, [and] then me a year later, since I was too scared to join when I was six years old. 

I started on the Penguins when I was in my sophomore year because there was no team my freshman year due to COVID-19. 

1. What strokes do you swim, and what skills/strengths are involved?                                    I am mainly a flyer (butterfly), but I also swim backstroke and freestyle. I think for fly and free, there is more mental strength involved, since they are such tiring strokes. For backstroke, mainly my legs are used. 

1. What is your most memorable moment with the Penguins?

When we won the A-Divison Championships, and we were all screaming or crying about winning after being huddled up.

1. Do you have any plans to continue swimming in the future or in college? 

I may join a club swim team in college, but I don’t want to join the school’s team since I want to focus on schoolwork. 

1. Do you have any premeet superstitions or rituals?

Slapping myself, deep breathing, jumping up and down, and stretching my arms on the diving block.

1. What does a typical practice look like?                                            

Warm up, pre-set, main set. Sometimes we do sprints or use the buckets, which hold water that we have to carry as we swim. Awesome music, as well, playing in the background as we swim. 

1. What are your goals for the rest of the season?

For the team to win the PSAL swimming title. 

1. What are the best and worst parts of swimming? 

The best is the fact that swimming brings discipline to my life. It helps me stay more organized and follow a specific schedule. The worst feeling is probably when you don’t reach your goals after training months for it. 

Funniest Teammate: Josephine Yoo

Favorite Sports Drink: Red Gatorade

Favorite Post- Snack: Chipotle burrito

Hobbies: Songwriting

Motto to Live By: Everyone dies, so make the most out of life.

Swimming Pet Peeve: When people don’t wait five seconds after you during a set. 

Fun Fact: I have over 60 first cousins.

Favorite Warm-Up Stretch: Calf stretch

Best Stroke: Butterfly