St. Mary's, Swimming
Beginning from her first days as a member of the summer swim team at Whitehall Pool & Tennis at age six, Annie Hayburn has had an affinity for the water.
“When I am in the water, I am completely free, and there are no limits,” she says. “I truly feel like nothing is impossible.”
“I really enjoy every aspect of swimming, from practicing to racing to spending time with teammates,” Hayburn says. “Swimming gives me the opportunity to share the gifts God has given me with others.”
Her gifts have already translated into success in her first two years of swimming for the Saints. Annie is a two-time conference champion in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly and her team finished in first place in the medley relay. She says her biggest highlight came from competing in the IAAM High School Swimming Championships last year.
Some of her inspiration that fuels her when she races from wall to wall comes from two Olympians.
“I look up to Missy Franklin because of her positive personality. She also enjoys every moment of her swimming career,” Annie says. “I look up to Katie Ledecky as well, due to her hard work ethic and her ability to reach her goals.”
Outside the water, Anne has been a member of the St. Mary’s student government, C.O.S.A., led a rosary club for girls in her community, and takes part in the Sacred Heart Youth Group.
She is a Parvis Scholar and was selected to attend the IAAM Leadership Conference last fall.
Hayburn, currently a junior, is in the infancy stages of exploring college options but hopes to swim at the Division 1 level with an academic or athletic scholarship.
She is interested in becoming an accountant or a teacher once her college days are done.
-- Jake Russell
