Outstanding azcentral.com Article Featuring Xavier Freshman Swimmer

October 14, 2024

by Richard Obert, Arizona Republic

Xavier swim coach David “Smitty” Smithers made me aware of an outstanding azcentral.com/Arizona Republic article about Xavier Freshmen swimmer Tessa Frey by Richard Obert. Below is an excerpt and a link to the article.

In her first high school swim meet, Tessa Frey launched herself from the blocks into the pool. Her Phoenix Xavier Prep teammates cheered, even though she didn’t win her 50- and 100-yard freestyle races.

But the accomplishments were huge to her, her teammates, the coaches, and everybody, as she touched the wall with a smile on her face.

Standing 4 feet, 3 inches, Frey has never let dwarfism get in the way of her love of water and competing.

“I’ve always loved the ocean, but, in Arizona, the ocean is nowhere near,” Frey said. “The pool is the closest I can get. I always wanted to be a mermaid.”

azcentral.com by Richard Obert, Arizona Republic

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