Chelsea Nauta's state title moves her to the top in Hillsborough county.
By TERRY JONES
Published November 20, 2003
TAMPA - In her freshman season at Tampa Prep, Chelsea Nauta was unbeatable in any of her events on her way to the state meet. She is a sprinter, and her favorite events are the short freestyle races.
But she can swim any discipline and is usually the fastest with all four strokes.
Before the districts her focus was on the race ahead, but after winning district titles in the 100 and 200 freestyle events, she revealed her thoughts of the state meet.
In Class A, Florida swimmers must compete against some of the top in the world. Several state private schools recruit and board the top swimmers in the world, and Nauta knew that.
Rarely do teams or individuals from public schools win state titles.
"The girls who beat me last year when I was in the eighth grade all graduated, and I have good times against others in my events," she said before the state meet. "However, I have noticed on the Internet a new girl from Europe, maybe she came in at the end of the summer. I can't remember her name. She has some very fast times. But I can say only that I will do my very best at state."
As the finalist lined up on the blocks at the state meet for the 100 freestyle, the Jacksonville girls from Europe and other countries were focused on their race, but so was Nauta.
When the final touch was made, Nauta was the state champion in 51.57 seconds. Not only was she the only Class A state champ from Hillsborough County, she added a second-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle event in 1:50.77.
Her effort in the state meet, and the entire season, earned her Times Female Swimmer of the Year honors.
"I am happy for my school and thankful to my private coach, Rich Rogers, who works hard helping me all year long," she said. "State meets are a real challenge, especially in Class A. It is a real honor to be selected Swimmer of the Year for this county. There are so many great swimmers around here. High school swimming was fun again this year, but now the real work starts for some big national meets with my club."
Nauta's sister Brittany, a sophomore at Palm Harbor University, also won a state title.
Tampa Prep's assistant coach, Scott Thomas, was pleased with Nauta's performance and her contribution to the overall Terrapins program.
"Chelsea is an amazing swimmer," Thomas said. "She is only a freshman, but she doesn't like to swim in the wake of anyone. She has quite a future in swimming."
COACH: Hillsborough has several top coaches, but the successful effort of Mara Schultz of Academy of Holy Names stood out. Even with so many young swimmers, the Jaguars recorded some of the fastest times in the county in many events and near the top in others.
