Ava Moss has bright future ahead in swimming

Ava Moss is only 10 years old but shows great potential as a swimmer with the Folsom Sea Otters. Moss regularly trained with the older 12-14-year-old group this season to push herself, and it worked as she won the Suburban Swim League championship in her 9-10 age group by 16 points. "Ava is a determined young lady," Folsom Sea Otters Coach Mike Chavez said. "She goes from 0-to-60, and she has been the same since I met her when she was 7. Her peers look up to her as a role model, and she doesn't take the role lightly. Ilana and Brooke Briggs have been huge mentors in her development. Ava has goals every summer to race fast and Ilana and Brooke have cheered her on along the way. Ava won the league championship in her 9-10 age group, as she was the fastest swimmer out of 150 girls. She's an all-around swimmer in every event; however, I feel she is strongest in freestyle and breast stroke." Folsom Telegraph: After missing out on last swim season with the Sea Otters because of COVID, how has it felt to be back in the pool this year? Ava Moss: It has felt very good to be back in the pool with all of my friends. I really missed them during COVID. FT: How long have you been swimming with the Sea Otters? AM: I've been swimming with the Sea Otters for three years, not counting last year. FT: What have you enjoyed about being part of the Sea Otter family? AM: I enjoy cheering on my friends during their events. I also enjoy improving my times. FT: You had a few virtual meets this year. Did you like them or not? Was it harder to get excited for them compared to a regular meet when your opponent is next to you? AM: Although I prefer the regular meets, I am happy that I was able to swim this season. I was just as excited to swim at the virtual meets as I would be at any regular meet. I did miss being able to meet swimmers on the other teams. FT: What are your favorite events/strokes? Why do you like those events? AM: My favorite event is the 100M Individual Medley because I got to swim all of the strokes in one event. I also like swimming the 25M breast stroke because it is unique. FT: What are your best times in those events? AM: My best time for the 100M IM is 1:19:57. My best time for the 25M breaststroke is 19.72. FT: Coach Chavez said you are a goal-oriented person. What goals did you set for yourself this year and did you achieve them? AM: My goal for this year was to beat the Folsom Sea Otter's Girls 9/10 25M Freestyle record of 13.78. Even though I didn't beat the team record, I'm proud of myself for coming really close with a best time of 13.88. FT: Coach said Ilana and Brooke Briggs have been mentors for you. How have they helped you as a swimmer? AM: I have definitely looked up to Ilana and Brooke Briggs because they are exceptionally great swimmers and amazing people. FT: Have you ever been involved in any other sports? AM: Yes, I've been involved with other sports like basketball, soccer and softball. FT: What school do your attend and what grade will you be in this year? AM: I attend Carl Sundahl Elementary School and I will be going into fifth grade. FT: What is your favorite subject in school and why? AM: Besides recess, I really enjoy writing stories. FT: Do you have a favorite band or singer? AM: I really like Katy Perry. FT: Favorite Food? AM: Watermelon and tacos are my favorite foods. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? AM: In my free time, I like to have sleepovers with my friends. FT: What inspires you in sports? AM: All of my coaches really inspired me this year. I had an especially close connection with Coach Kim. FT: Is there a particular job or profession you'd like to have someday? AM: I really want to be a swim coach someday.