Swimming her way into state, sophomore Rachel Janiak is already guaranteed to go to the state swim meet. She was the 1^st female swimmer from at Staley who has gotten the qualifying time as of December 1^st. There has been three meets, one on Dec. 1 and one on Dec. 8. She earned her bid on the first meet of the season.

Rachel has been swimming since she was young. Her mom used to be a coach for her sister Jordan Janiak when she was 4, and Rachel had always wanted to get in the pool with her sister. Her mom finally let her get in, and she had her first meet when she was 5. For 10 years, she has been swimming competitively. And for the past five years, she has been involved with the summer leagues.

Rachel said she has always looked up to her sister. They are on the same school relay team here.

“We cheer for each other, and we are always there for each other at meets,” said Jordan.

Rachel and Jordan both went to state competition last swim season. Rachel went for the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 back and 200 medley relay. Jordan was one of the people swimming with Rachel in the relay team. Competing in the 500 freestyle, she went into the meet 23rd in the state and came out 9th in the state as a freshman.

Rachel sad she is excited for the state swim meet already. You have to have a certain time to qualify for state. She has made this time for the 500 freestyle event.

“I’m so excited to experience it with my teammates again. For me, state isn’t about a certain place or time you get. It’s having fun, and the rest will take care of itself,” said Janiak.