Athlete of the Week: Bella Craven, Horizon swimming

Senior swimmer Bella Craven returns to the Horizon High swim team after spending her junior year at Windermere High. She was a member of the inaugural class at Horizon and spent her freshman and sophomore years as a Hawk. 

In her first two seasons of high school swimming, Craven set or broke seven records for the Horizon girls swim team as well as established herself as a force in the area’s swim scene her sophomore season by winning two regional championships — in the 200- and 500-meter freestyle. 

As Craven returns to Horizon for her senior season, she has been named one of the team’s captains and hopes to continue to help build the young Hawks program before heading off to college, where she plans to study biology or another pre-med major in preparation for medical school.  

THE BASICS 

Age: 17

Sport: Swimming

Grade: Senior

School: Horizon High

Q&A

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

Surprised and extremely honored.

What do you like the most about swimming?

I like the fact that you can compete both on a team and as an individual. Not many sports offer that. I love the feeling of being in the water and competing against myself and others.

What is your favorite swim stroke?

Freestyle. It’s the one that I have trained and worked the hardest to refine.

What are your goals for this season — for yourself and the team?

To support the team and get as many of my teammates to regionals and states as possible. I hope to continue to help build the foundational pieces of a still relatively new program that is growing at Horizon.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from swimming?

Trust in the process and you’re either all in or not. There is no room for half-effort.

Who is your favorite swimmer?

Katie Ledecky. She is breaking barriers on what women can do in sports. She is an athlete, leader and author.  

Favorite swimming memory?

Making (Texas Age Group Swimming Championships) after just turning 12 years old. I was shocked I made the finals in such a competitive field and ended up getting my times cut.

What is your go-to pre-meet meal?

(I usually eat) very little, but if I do, it’s something that’s high protein and high carb.

What is your go-to pre-meet hype song?

“Unforgettable” by French Montana.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Shopping, of course! And better if it’s with my girlfriends!

What is your favorite subject in school?

Science. I’ve always found it interesting, and it’s one of the reasons I’m looking to study to become a doctor in college.

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

A tent, my pillow and my dog, Lola.

What is your favorite movie?

I’m more of a TV series girl. My favorites are “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Outer Banks.”

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

The whole Kardashian family. It’s just fascinating how they grew their marketing machine in the age of social media.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

English renaissance. The galas, pageantry and art always seemed interesting to me. I love the beautiful dresses and fashion from that time.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be so hard on yourself.

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

What color is our G-Wagon?  

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

Read people’s minds.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

Bora Bora for the snorkeling and swimming, Croatia because it looks beautiful, and Greece for the architecture.

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

I’d be a lion, because they are the kings of the jungle.

What is your most controversial food take?

I like BBQ sauce on pizza!

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

No.