Emmie Pokryfke has a simple reason for why Skyline has been so good for so long in the competitive waters of high school swimming.
“It’s the salt water,” she says.
Seriously, one of the main reasons for their amazing success over the years is having swimmers and leaders like Pokryfke, a talented senior on Skyline’s talented team – in, and just as importantly, out of the water.
Just ask head coach Maureen Murrett, who herself is another reason for the program’s success.
“Emmie really is a renaissance woman,” says Murrett. “It is so fun to watch Emmie succeed in so many different aspects of life. When was the last time the leader of robotics was the drum major and swim team captain? Emmie was the first to understand just how difficult it is to be a leader. She is never afraid to do the right thing.”
Pokryfke believes Skyline’s success is due to the team’s collective dedication mindset.
“No one can get away with doing less, and we are all held to the same standard of effort, even if the results of that effort differ from person to person,” she says. “This level of consistency ensures that people understand the expectations of putting your full effort in, not just for yourself, but for the well-being and success of the team. Swimming is a very intense sport, due to the amount of hours put in per week during the season (usually around 15-18, which can be really hard on the body) and the solidarity of it, and people joining the team being aware of those norms continues an atmosphere where it is expected to put in the effort so that all of the hard work throughout the season doesn’t go to waste, and we can continue our success as a team.”
Note: Coaches should copy that above quote and send it to all their players – success has never been defined better.
Pokryfke first jumped into the pool when she was only 6 months old in parent-baby swim lessons, and then began competitive swimming when she was 7 years old for Vets. “I like the feeling of calm when you first jump in the water, and how you can lose yourself in the repetition of the stroke,” she says. “I also like swimming because it makes me feel strong and powerful.”
During the summer, Pokryfke swims for the Huron Valley Swim Club (HVSC). She says the most memorable parts of swimming for HVSC are the friends she has made over the years.
“Summer swim is much less competitive than high school swim is, so there is more space for fun activities and just hanging out with people while still being able to enjoy the water,” she said. “It is a different kind of atmosphere than high school, and I have always enjoyed it.”
Pokryfke, who swims the 100 freestyle and 50 freestyle for the Eagles, is having a solid season. She is a few ticks away from getting a state cut and has a few more opportunities to get there.
“My season is going great so far,” she says. “I love the dynamic of the team this year, and it has been so fun seeing everyone grow together. I have gotten some of my best 50 freestyle times ever, and I am so excited for our championship meet!
“The goal for the team has been keeping up our incredible team dynamic that we have cultivated,” she says. “I am excited to see everyone keep succeeding as we head into taper. My personal goal is to get a 50 free state cut.”
Emmie, 17, is the daughter of Kiirsa and Peter Pokryfke. She is the captain of Skyline’s Robotics team, a drum major in the marching band and a member of the Tri-M Honor Society and National Honor Society. She also plays water polo and enjoys hanging out with friends, leadership, baking and reading.
Her future is still being determined.
“I am not sure yet whether I will swim in college,” she says. “I have been recruited by Alma College for swimming, but other than that, I am planning to just continue swimming on my own time in college, not with a team.”
