Local swimmer makes a big splash in college
Former Rock Canyon High School swimmer Victoria Vanderpoel was thrilled to take first place in the 400IM at the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship. Vanderpoel’s teammate took third place and joined her on the podium.
Victoria Vanderpoel loves swimming for her team at Pomona College in Claremont California. “I am most enjoying the vibrant team atmosphere. I’ve never had a team that was closer, more supportive, or more competitive in my life. Everyone on the team really wants to swim fast to represent their school,” Vanderpoel said.
By Amy Shanahan; courtesy photos
Victoria Vanderpoel was a standout swimmer and captain of the swim team her senior year at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and her legacy of phenomenal swimming has continued her freshman year of college. Vanderpoel attends Pomona College in Claremont California, and swims on a combined swim team with neighbor Pitzer College.
In February, Vanderpoel competed with her team at the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Championship. Vanderpoel won the 400-yard individual medley (IM) and was part of the 800-freestyle relay team that qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships, which took place from March 18-21 in Shenendoah, Texas. Vanderpoel remarked, “Winning the 400 IM was surreal. I was lucky enough to swim in the middle of the pool, right next to my main competitor from the University of the Redlands and one of my favorite teammates. Having a teammate next to me pushed me that much harder in the race. When we both touched the wall we were just so excited for each other because we had worked so hard and we would stand on the awards podium together. I will remember that moment forever!”
In addition to her swimming achievements Vanderpoel was named a Pomona College Scholar for her academic success and she is working diligently toward her pre-med major. “My freshman year has been everything! I couldn’t imagine a better place to live or a better group of people to spend 25 hours a week with than the Pomona-Pitzer Swim Team,” stated Vanderpoel. “The academics are definitely of the utmost rigor, but I am learning so much that I can’t complain. I’ve never been surrounded by such a concentrated, smart group of people!”
Vanderpoel is grateful for her years spent swimming with RCHS and is proud of their accomplishments this year as well. “Huge shout out to my high school team, Rock Canyon! Congratulations for placing second at Continental League Champs this year. The team was lucky to have the best captains ever this year and some of my best friends and best training partners are on that team, along with my mom, the coach, who has helped me so much,” Vanderpoel remarked.
