She has quietly been making waves for more than a year now.
But Kent-Meridian sophomore Joanna Wu, one of the area’s elite swimmers, continues to keep a low profile. Instead of looking back over past accomplishments or forward at what lies ahead, Wu remains grounded with the task at hand.
And for this 15 year old, that task includes becoming one of the state’s best swimmers, whether or not she’s the most well known.
Last fall, Wu became the first Kent-Meridian swimmer since Megan Woodworth in 2002 to qualify for the state meet. The difference, however, lies in the fact that Woodworth was a senior at the time.
“Every once in a while you get a swimmer in and you’re blessed to be able to have for four years,” said K-M coach Tom Lewandowski. “And, as a coach, you know for the next four years you’ll be able to go to state with right along with them.”
Wu, one of the hidden gems of the local swim scene, still has three more years to go. Three more chances to better last year’s state performance at the King County Aquatic Center in the 50 and 100 free.
“It’s definitely (going to take) a massive amount of concentration,” said Wu, who qualified for the finals in the 50 free last year, but missed the cut in the 100. “Last year, it was hard for me to concentrate because there were so many people there and I wasn’t used to an audience.”
Audiences aside, Wu has appeared plenty comfortable in the water this fall. Through three South Puget Sound League North Division dual meets this season heading into Thursday, she already had qualified for state in four events: 50 free (25.16), 500 free (5:52.12), 100 back (1:02.02) and 200 free (1:59.01).
In addition, Wu’s time in the 50 topped her performance at state a year ago (25.24).
“She’s very disciplined, structured and focused,” said Lewandowski. “She lives swimming. It’s 24-7 to her.”
As much was the case this past Monday afternoon, when Wu was leaving the K-M pool at 4 p.m. for another practice with the King County Aquatic Club. No doubt, Wu, who carries a 3.9 grade-point average, is all about going forward these days.
And the state meet, which will be held at the King County Aquatic Center next month, remains one of her biggest goals.
“Basically, I want to get state times in all (individual) events,” said Wu, who is fluent in English and Cantonese and who is currently taking French. “I have high expectations of myself.”
Indeed. But once the state meet arrives, though Wu has qualified in four events already and expects to do the same in at least three more, she can only compete in two individual events at the state level.
Rather than stressing over which to choose, Wu’s choices already have been made.
“I’m hoping to place top eight this year in both the 200 free and 100 back,” she said.
It’s a feat Lewandowski believes will be realized this fall and surpassed in the very near future.
“Without a doubt,” he said. “I would say she will be top 8 (at state) this year in both of her swims.
“She’s an up-and-comer. I look at her as becoming a state champion in the next two years.”
And when that happens, those waves Wu is making no longer will be quiet.
Title time at KW
The South Puget Sound League North Division was juggled before the fall season, leaving the four Kent schools, Tahoma and Auburn to make up the league.
The league re-shuffling, however, didn’t do much to slow down Kentwood, which opened the season with a win over powerhouse Kentridge, then another over a speed-laden Kentlake.
Kentwood (4-0) can officially seal the SPSL North title on Thursday with a win over Tahoma. If the Conquerors can accomplish the feat, they will win their first SPSL North title since 2003.
Interestingly enough, Kentwood has done it with depth and talent, but hasn’t yet had a single swimmer post a state-qualifying time.
“It’s a 100 percent team effort,” said co-head coach Melissa York. “What’s interesting is we have quite a number of girls who will be at district. Will we have girls go to state? I am sure we will.”
For the time being, however, plenty of KW swimmers already have posted district-qualifying times, including: Erika Panzer (50 free and 100 free among others), Shannelle Cayetano (50/100), Erica Wright (100 breaststroke), Kelly Phillips (100 fly), Paige Morris (100 fly), Maggie Molloy (100 back) and Marissa Dyrdahl (100 free).
SPEEDING TO STATE
Below is a look at the local swimmers who already have posted state-qualifying times
NAME/SCHOOL/EVENTS
Chelsea Bailey/Kentlake/100 free, 100 fly, 100 back, 200 free, 500 free
Emily Tanasse/Kentlake/100 free, 100 back, 200 free
Joanna Wu/K-M/50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 500 free
Of note: No swimmers from Kentridge or Kentwood have qualified for state yet.
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