Athlete of the Week: Addison Reese, Windermere

Addison Reese, a University of Florida signee, is no stranger to winning races for Windermere. She’s probably the young school’s best-ever girls swimmer. And on Nov. 10 at the FHSAA Class 4A swimming and diving state championship meet, she added even more hardware to her already-impressive resume. Reese won two more state championships in the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 100-yard butterfly.

THE BASICS 
Age: 18
Sport: Swimming
Grade: Senior
School: Windermere

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How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It is such an honor, because there are so many incredible athletes in the area that I look up to.

What do you like the most about swimming?

I love that swimming is both a team and individual sport. There’s nothing better than being on a relay with your friends and teammates and cheering each other on, but also being able to set individual goals for yourself and work toward them.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from swimming competitively?

I learned time management and how to set goals. It’s pretty difficult going from 5 a.m. practice straight to school and then back to practice again in the afternoon and still making time for homework and hanging out with friends. It would be hard to leave a sleepover with my friends at 4 a.m. but I knew if I wanted to achieve certain goals and not miss out on social things either, I had to do things like that. So, swimming definitely taught me time management.

What is your favorite non-swimming hobby?

I love to wake-surf.

What is your favorite subject in school?

I love economics. I’m learning about the economy and how to save and make money, which I definitely need to learn how to do.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

Food,  water, first-aid kit.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

I would have to say Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

To keep doing what you’re doing. I had the best childhood and did so many fun things. I’d also say to never take yourself too seriously. 

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

How can I make an impact on the world?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Wonder Woman, because she’s fearless. 

Who is your favorite supervillain?

Harley Quinn, because she’s fierce.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I wish I could time travel, so I could go back in time and see the future.

Where in the world would you like to visit?

Greece and Italy.

If you could be an animal for a day, which would you be?

A shark, because they are fast.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Absolutely not.