Of all the Durant swimmers that made a splash this season, perhaps none made a bigger one than Katie Vasiloff. She recently won her second consecutive state championship in the 100 butterfly — a solid accomplishment, especially for a sophomore.
How does it feel, back-to-back state champ?
It feels amazing, honestly. I’ve put in a lot more work than I did last year, so I’m pretty happy with my results.
What did you do this year that you didn’t do last year?
I started a weight training program. Since I switched club teams, I kind of stopped, but I’m planning to start again. In terms of strength, it helped me a lot with my butterfly. It’s a pretty good impact.
I see you also took second place in the 50 free over the weekend.
Yeah. It was back to back, so I had to scramble a lot. Right after I finished the 100 fly, I wasn’t even focused on it. I was focused on my fly, and I had to run to the podium. I ran back, and I made it in time for the free.
The FHSAA didn’t really do you any favors there, did they?
I guess not. My mom, she just looked at me and said, “You didn’t even look like you enjoyed that podium.” I was like, “Believe me, I did.” I was focused on the race.
What’s next for you?
I need to put in a lot more work. The past year, my workouts weren’t exactly constant. I need to make my workouts more constant.
So, now you’re in club season full time. How long does that last for you?
Club season never ends. We have short-course season until March, and right after that is long-course season.
Do you have any college plans?
I haven’t thought about it that much. Maybe University of Florida. Out of state, if I put in more work — like I want to — then maybe Texas or Cal-Berkeley.
Any other sports?
Swimming is pretty time-consuming.
You don’t ever play volleyball with your sister?
No, I’m not that coordinated.
How are you doing in school?
Pretty good. A’s and B’s.
Do you have any goals for yourself this year, in the pool or the classroom?
In the classroom, probably this quarter, or the rest of the year, get all A’s. In the pool, I’m gonna go toward more juniors cuts for club team.
Is there any sport you’ve always wanted to try?
I’d do water polo. I’d stay in the water.
Let’s say you can meet someone famous that you’ve always wanted to meet. Who would it be?
Jennifer Lawrence. I’ve seen all of her interviews. She’s just funny and fun to be around.
What would you do if you could hang out with her for a day?
Eat pizza. Watch Netflix.
Let’s say a young kid asks you for advice on how to be a good swimmer. What do you tell her?
Work hard, and enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy swimming, there’s no point in doing it. Just try and race, and have fun.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Probably flying. That would be cool.
If you could have $1 billion right now, what would you buy?
An Audi R8.
What’s your favorite sports movie?
The Sandlot.
Your dad was the one who got you into swimming?
Yeah. he was actually a really good swimmer — I think he went 43 in his 100 free, which is a lot faster than mine. I started around five years ago. Before I joined a club team, my dad taught me the strokes in our pool. It was good to have him as a background.