Senior Reece Hawker has been swimming competitively since he was 12 years old, but the competition has never been what’s driven him. It’s always been more about the people.

“[Last] year, after I got back into swimming after taking a year and a half break from it, it was mainly because my sister wanted me to do high school swimming with her and all the people on the club team and now all the people on the school team, that was most of it. The racing part is fun, but it just wouldn’t be the same without all those people that I actually like seeing,” said Hawker.

Thrilled with her brother’s return and continued performance, Hawker’s sister, Avery Hawker said, “Watching him race is incredible. He just gets up and does what he needs to achieve what he wants. His strength and sheer determination get him where he wants to go. It’s incredible.”

At the Swim Team’s most recent meet at Academy of the Holy Names, Hawker won the Boys 50 Meter Breast event with a time of 35.99 seconds and the Boys 50 Yard Free with a time of 22.22 seconds. Hawker also holds the school record for the 100 meter Fly event.

Highly acclaimed by his coaches, James Atkins comments on Reece’s great swimming ability, tenacity and willpower.

“Reece swam quite well as a Freshman, got hurt, skipped his Sophomore year, and was one of the very few swimmers that [were] able to come back and start swimming his Junior year and make it all the way to state, and placed high in 100 fly and 50 free and expects to do much better this year as a Senior,” said Atkins.

After high school Hawker’s future is undecided.

“I don’t know if I’m going to go to college or not,” Hawker said.

He plans on perhaps going to a trade school for carpeting, plumbing, or welding (something with which he has some experience) if he doesn’t attend a university. Swim will remain as more of a fun pastime.

“Don’t take it too seriously. Swimming is not really a game, but it’s the same principle, it’s supposed to be fun. If you’re not enjoying it then what’s the point?” said Hawker.