Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/846958
Sarah Switzer, 17, MADISON, RISING SENIOR, JAMES CLEMONS HIGH SCHOOL First-time: I was shocked to get on the team and amazed to represent the United States in Australia. I'd been to the World competition to watch Joe (Ray) so I knew the level of intensity. Easing the nerves: Getting to know some of the boat drivers was cool during training and it helped. And running my first pass the first day helped, too. I got a personal best in all three preliminaries so it was a great experience even though I didn't qualify for the finals this time. Testing the waters: Salt was a lot more buoyant and I skied faster. Moving around was easier, too. Joe the coach: He's like a second father. I train with him most weekends, especially before competitions. To be on the water and experiencing the outdoors is great. I also play wheelchair basketball and like hunting. e future: e next World event will be either in Norway or France. I'd prefer France because I don't think Norway is warm any time of the year. e next National is either in Minnesota or Montana and this July I'll compete in the Alabama State Water Ski Championships in Huntsville. College is calling: It'll either be for Auburn for veterinary assistant or Alabama for sports psychology. I can compete in sports at either one. Memories: In Australia, I won bronze for women overall, bronze for tournament women overall, a silver for the team, and was named Female Athlete of the Month by USA Water Ski, which was a surprise. ese are really great honors. 19 www.apcshorelines.com