By John Raffel
Midland Dow girls swim team coach Chilly Smith is excited to see what fourth-year varsity swimmer Claire Newman could accomplish in her senior season.
“She’s the defending state champion in Division 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle
She was named swimmer of the year in DII,” he said.
“Hard work and continued dedication to the sport while having fun,” have been the keys to success for Newman, Smith said, adding Newman has improved in all around strength and fitness and her ability to help lead the team. She is much more social then she was when she first joined the team.”
Smith said highlights last season were ‘Claire’s races at States last year. She was very ill, but she was able to tough it out mentally and win two events. She needs to continue to improve in all aspects of the sport while having fun.
She swam in the Winter part time while working with a personal trainer. She took about six weeks off and swam this Summer.”
Newman has committed to the University of Michigan.