Swim and dive is one of the most complex, difficult sports. The endurance required for swimming is like no other and the strength and muscle control for diving takes immense practice and dedication. Having competed in both sports, WCHS senior and captain of the WCHS Swim and Dive team, Annika Shauf has greatly displayed this dedication throughout her four years of high school. Although diving is her main priority during her senior year, Shauf began in the lanes of the pool as a swimmer.
“I started [swimming] when I was about six,” Shauf said. “I really enjoyed being in the water, so just for a fun summer activity, I joined the swim team at the pool that I belong to.”
As is the case with many young talented athletes, once they reach a certain age, they are funneled into more competitive leagues and teams to develop their skills. She joined a club called All Star Aquatics (ASA), training and competing with them, along with swimming at her pool. She used everything she learned from these experiences and took them with her all the way to high school.
“I’m really grateful for my time at ASA,” Shauf said. “I progressed so much and also learned so much about being part of a team. I met so many new people through it too so I really enjoyed that time.”
Although she left ASA during her freshman year, Shauf still loved to swim and decided to join the WCHS swim team. Throughout her freshman year, she contributed to the team, excelling in two strokes: backstroke and freestyle. While she was performing well at her meets, the joy and fun swim had once brought her had started to fade. Still eager to compete and be part of the team though, she turned to her diving experience.
“I started to dislike swimming, but knew I still wanted to be a part of the team,” Shauf said. “I had experience diving with my summer league so I just decided to join that team. I filled in for someone at a dive meet and remembered how much I loved it. I decided then I would try out diving the next year.”
The transition the next year was seemingly smooth considering Shauf already knew the team and coaches, so they were preparing for a great season. Unfortunately, Shauf did not get to live out the season and like so many athletes, fell victim to an injury.
“It was an early morning practice and I can’t even explain how it happened, but I hit my face on the board and broke my nose,” Shauf said. “It was extremely uncomfortable for me. I had a surgeon put my nose back into place and had to get shots up my nose for it to heal. I had so many doctor’s appointments checking on its progress and had to be extremely cautious in my everyday life, making sure nothing could happen to make it worse.”
An athlete’s response to an injury can make or break their athletic career. Being ripped from such a comforting environment can be disorienting and difficult and it is easy to crumble under the pressure and take the easy way out by not returning to sports. However, Shauf was not going to fall into this trap. She took her whole junior season off, supporting the team from the sidelines at as many events as she could attend.
“She is really good at showing up and being there for the team,” WCHS senior and swim team member Felicia Berg said. “She is so supportive and such a great teammate.”
Shauf is known for the spirit she brings across all three of the sports she’s played at WCHS. As one of the most vocal and supportive people, her lacrosse and field hockey teammates would all corroborate the swim team’s claim that she is an amazing teammate to have around.
“Annika is always there to support me,” WCHS dive teammate Zoe Silver said. “Whenever I am scared to throw a new skill she is always there to help and support me through it. I was there when she got injured, and the way she preserved after was truly inspiring.”
While she may have made it look easy, the road back to the board was anything but smooth. Even for spirited athletes like Shauf, it is not always natural to bring that spirit.
“Last season was really hard,” Shauf said. “It was my first year on the team and I never even got to compete. I love supporting them but it was hard at times. I never considered giving up though — I need this year to be my redemption tour.”
If redemption is her goal for this season, Shauf is already well on her way. She was elected captain by her teammates last season without getting the chance to ever compete, a testament to her positivity, generosity and support. She is back on the board, loving her role as captain and excited for the new season.
“This team means so much to me,” Shauf said. “They have been a part of my life for four years. They supported me throughout my injury and I can only hope that as captain this year, I can return the favor. I will be creating our lineups, giving advice, creating our [game day spirit] themes and organizing team bonding activities, and I am going to do it all to the best of my ability.”
