SEATTLE— As the O’Dea swim team prepares to take on the best in Washington at the state tournament, senior Grayson Horstmann is embracing his role as a leader, reflecting on the team’s journey and their mindset heading into the final meet of the season.
After a competitive showing at districts, the Irish are shifting their focus to the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, where prelims take place on the 21st, followed by the finals on the 22nd. Despite finishing seventh at districts, the team remains confident in their ability to step up to the biggest stage.
“We feel very good we don't usually focus on districts too much it’s a very meaningless meet,” said Horstmann. “During districts we focus on finding the best relay combinations while also the people that are close to a district time getting them to a state time.”
O’Dea has a strong history at state, finishing as the runner-up last year. This time, they’re aiming to make another deep run against top programs like Lakeside, Bellevue, and Mercer Island.
To succeed, the Irish will need to bring their best in prelims to secure strong seeds for the finals.
“We just need to go out there and perform as well as striving during prelims to move up in seeding,” said Horstmann. “Then just go out on Saturday and go crazy.”
With a second-place finish in Metros earlier this season, O’Dea has proven they can compete at the highest level. Now, they have one final chance to leave it all in the pool.
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