Celine Coleman of PaceHigh School has opted to swim for the University of West Florida. Although Coleman has only been with the PHS swimming program for the last two years, PHS Swimming Coach Amy Wolfenden said Coleman had “an immediate impact.”
“She is very passionate about swimming and competing, but what really makes her a special asset to PHS is that she loves to share her knowledge and experience with her fellow high school swimmers,” Wolfenden said. “(Coleman) enjoys working with and helping her fellow teammates become the best they can be.”
Coleman, a native of Jacksonville, also used her experience with swimming in the Greater Pensacola Aquatic Club to share with younger teammates at PHS.
“I got see some of the freshmen grow and watch them improve in their swimming,” Coleman said.
Since the age of five, Coleman said she has always had a passion for the water.
“When I was younger I tried a lot of different sports, because my mother was adamant about me being in a sport and being active,” she said. “So, I tried a lot of different sports and I did not like any of them and then I went to swimming one day and I really enjoyed it and it stuck.”
Coleman said she loves swimming due to it being an individual sport.
“It’s the work that you put in that you get out and you don’t have to depend on anybody else,” Coleman said. “It’s your hard work that gets you places.”
This past season, Coleman said she and another PHS teammate made it to state where she placed 16th in her division.
Wolfenden believes Coleman’s work ethic will benefit the UWF swim team.
“She truly loves working hard and getting better every day,” Wolfenden said. “So I expect that UWF will see great things from Celine.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: PHS: Coleman to swim for UWF