Sport: Swimming
Grade: 12

Senior Alison Tallen has been swimming since she was 10. Over the years Alison has swam all the events, but her main events are 100 meter butterfly and 100 meter backstroke. She plans to continue to swim in college, but is not sure where yet.

The Orono girls team is off to a good start. Tallen is pleased with how their season is going so far as they head into sections.

“We are meeting our goals as a team and it is definitely better than last year,” Tallen said.

Even though swimming is an individual sport, the team is a big part of the season. They are there to pick you up when you are down and there to pump you up before races.

“We are so close it’s like a mini family,” Tallen said.

When it comes down to it, it’s just Alison in the pool. She has to be mentally and physically prepared for her races. Pre-race rituals are a big part of being prepared.

“I listen to “I write sins not tragedies” by Panic at the Disco and I slap myself,” Tallen said.

The swim team has seen a lot of success this season, partially due to Tallen’s success. She has had an incredible season as she heads into the final weeks of her season.

“Alison is definitely the most energetic on the team. She always finds a way to bring the team together. She is such an inspiration for everyone on the team, not only for her amazing swimming but also for her outgoing spirit and positive energy,” freshman Geneva Barrett said.

Watch for Alison and the rest of the Orono Swim and Dive Team as they head into their sections Nov. 10 – 11.