Skyline swimming and diving coach Maureen Murrett has seen a pool full of talented swimmers during her legendary career with the Eagles. So when she calls swimmer Anika Vaitkevicius “stealth” that says a lot.
“Anika is stealth,” Murrett says. “She just comes to practice every day and gets her work done and never makes it about her. Zero drama. To qualify for the state meet for the first time as a senior is a big deal. It speaks to her work ethic and grit.”
Let’s start with that work ethic and grit. What motivates this young lady to come to practice every day and put in the work?
“What motivates me to get up in the morning and continuously go to practice is the goals that I have set for myself that I would like to achieve before I am done with high school,” Vaitkevicius says. “Additionally, my teammates are my biggest motivators and without them I definitely would not have been able to swim for all four years. Forming relationships and talking with them is something that I look forward to every day.”
Vaitkevicius, who swims the 50 and 100 free for the Eagles, made her first splash in elementary school.
“I first was introduced to swimming in elementary school when I would do lessons at Boston University back when I lived there,” she says. “I like how swimming can be tailored to fit you personally and allow you to set your own goals. I also love the swimming community and the people I have met through it.”
That swimming community includes Skyline – a community with a winning tradition.
“I think the bond we all have with each other is definitely a huge part of our success,” says Vaitkevicius. “Having a good support system is probably the most important part of reaching any achievement. Additionally, Paul and Mojo’s support pushes us to really reach our full potential as swimmers.”
Vaitkevicius says her season is swimming along at a very good pace. “My season is going pretty well this year as I feel our team is very strong and we all get along really well,” she says. “I also finally got my 50 free state cut this season.
“Last year was my first time going to states and I feel like I have a lot to improve on, but I had a really fun time and enjoyed watching my teammates succeed.”
Her goals for this year include getting her state cut time in the 100 free and enjoying her final year of swimming.
“For this year one of my goals is to get the 100 free state cut and to just have a fun season as it is my last one,” she says. “As for the team I would just like to see everyone put in their best effort and reach their own goals while supporting each other along the way.”
Anika, 17, is the daughter of Suzanne Bourgoin and Henri Vaitkevicius. When not in the water, she participates in Health and Medicine Magnet and Naptime Ninjas (blanket making for local shelters). She also plays water polo and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
