Swim is a very competitive sport, and is not easy to get into college for. Makenzie Peter was the only one to sign for swim at the past signing day. Whether she is competing in a race or or just getting reps in practice, Peter gives her all every day.
Peter first pursued swimming in seventh grade when she quit dance. When she began swimming, Peter discovered she had a bigger passion for swim, because of the racing and team aspect of it.
One of Peter’s biggest setbacks was a back injury 2 years ago. The physical and mental challenges strongly impacted her swim career. Physical therapy frequently became a new regular for Peter, and coming back from her injury was difficult. Because of the time and effort it took to get back into swim after being gone.
Swim is a sport where it is easy to get mental blocks because of an injury or because of stress. Peter does a good job of uplifting everyone around her, by checking up on her teammates and having a positive attitude. Underclassmen look up to Peter as a leader, and go to her when they need advice or help.
“She always has a really positive mindset, which is really helpful because swimming is such a mental sport,” Sophomore Emme Shradar said.
Peter’s work ethic is what allowed her to commit to swim at a division one level. At South Dakota State University, Peter is the first and only girl to swim in college from Elkhorn North.
The recruitment process was long and difficult for Peter. Being in contact with multiple coaches at a time, and going on visits took up much of her time. Ultimately SDSU is where Peter chose because of the staff and the girls who will be her future teammates. Although it was tough, Peter is excited for this new part of her swim journey.
Many teammates admire Peter for her commitment, and strive to be more like her. Peter is admired because of her dedication and perseverance in and out of the pool.
Peter is a light throughout the EPS swim team, and throughout her friend groups, by always being there for her friends and checking up on them. Social lives are hard to maintain with a rigorous swim schedule, but Peter makes it all work. She makes sure she meets her goals while staying close to her friends.
High school swim follows an attentive schedule with lifting Monday and Thursdays at 5:45 am, and practices everyday from 3:45-5:45 pm.
Peter brings motivation for the entire team to practice every day by always having a goal in mind, and is one of the most hardworking swimmers on the team. Peter is very dedicated to the sport, and spends much of her free time practicing for meets and races.
“She stays calm, and you don’t really see the stress side of her,” Shradar said.
Along with most sports, swim meets come with stress and anxiety. Even though Peter feels these things she doesn’t show it to her team, and encourages them even when she is having a difficult time herself.
“She stays motivated by knowing her goals, and what she wants to achieve by the end of high school,”Sophomore Avery Peter said.
Peter has had many accomplishments throughout high school, making state all three years. She placed 10th in the 200m, 9th in 100 breaststroke Freshman year. Sophomore year she placed 8th in the 100 breaststroke, 6th in the 200m, and her junior year she placed 5th in 200m and 100 breaststroke Junior year.
With those placings Peter has broken 4 records at Elkhorn North. The 100 breaststroke, 200 Medley, 200 IM, and the 100 butterfly.
Not only does Peter swim for school, she swims for club at GOAL. GOAL has sent one of their swimmers to the Olympics last year. This pushes Peter by swimming with people who are just as determined as her, or even more.
“Makenzie was selected by her peers as a captain during her junior year,” Swim Coach Jay Thiltgen said, “She is a strong leader by example, and she communicates very well with her peers. She is organized and is always willing to help out with the coaching staff.”
Peter was also selected as the only girl captain her senior year, and the only junior captain junior year. Captains plan the team bondings, and are in charge of making sure the team stays on task.
