As the leaves turn and the excitement from Homecoming fills the air, senior swimmer Betsy King finds herself balancing a whirlwind of activities. Not only is she the Homecoming Queen, but she’s also a standout athlete on the Randolph swim team. We caught up with Betsy to reflect on her swimming journey, her impressive accomplishments, and her plans for the future.
Betsy, a member of the 400 Free Relay team that shattered a school record with a time of 3:56.00, recalls the exhilarating moment of the race. “I remember the girls and I being particularly nervous about this event after the long day of racing we had faced,” she shares. “Sitting behind the blocks, Greer Heritage, Reagan Earls, Abby Banks, and I discussed our nervousness. Our main goal was to try and drop at least one second from our current time.”
Despite their exhaustion, the team performed remarkably well. “Unaware of breaking the record, we walked to Coach Stephanie, who had a huge smile on her face,” Betsy explains, her eyes sparkling with the memory. “She explained what we had accomplished and gave each of us a big hug. Looking back on that day reminds me of how important teamwork is. We had all worked so hard last season, but it was all worth it as it helped us end the season with a well-deserved record break.”
When asked about her favorite event, Betsy’s face lights up. “My favorite event to swim is the 100 Butterfly. I love this event mainly because of how challenging it was to master,” she reveals. “When I was younger, Butterfly was the one stroke I couldn’t get right. My parents sent me to countless private lessons, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, I figured it out with the help of my former HSA coach, Ben Davis.”
She continues, “Through all the ups and downs, I achieved many goals in this event, including winning second place in the 100 Butterfly at the 2021 State Championship. This event has given me many memories and lessons I will cherish forever, and that is ultimately why it is my favorite.”
Beyond breaking records, Betsy holds dear the memory of winning the State Championship in 2021. “It was so special seeing everyone celebrating their hard work together and jumping in the pool,” she reminisces, her voice filled with nostalgia.
Recognizing the individuality of swimming, she emphasizes the importance of team support. “Racing individually can be very challenging. At times, it feels like you are your biggest competition,” Betsy explains. “A supportive team makes everything more enjoyable. Little things like cheering and high-fives can go a long way. My friends and I love to stand behind each other's lanes and cheer as loud as we can.”
As she approaches graduation, Betsy shares her plans for the future. “I have been swimming since I was four years old. Being involved in summer, club, and high school teams has truly fulfilled me. I will be attending the University of Alabama next fall and will not be furthering my swimming career. My love for the sport will always remain, but I am very excited for my next chapter.”
For younger swimmers aspiring to achieve greatness, Betsy has heartfelt advice: “Embrace team spirit, stay consistent, and maintain a positive mindset. Supporting teammates, making new friends, and always being kind builds a strong team culture. Attending practices is very important, but learning the balance between commitment and self-recovery is crucial for progress in performance.”
As Betsy’s senior year unfolds, she hopes to leave behind a legacy of fun. “Swimming can oftentimes be overwhelming, both mentally and physically,” she reflects. “It’s important to embrace the joy and excitement of the sport. Surrounding yourself with teammates who fill your practices with laughter and determination is so special. Ultimately, having the end goal of positivity is more significant, regardless of the outcome.”
With her sights set on the future, one thing is certain: Betsy’s impact on the Randolph swim program will be felt long after she takes her final lap.
