A four-year member of the high school swim team and a two-year varsity athlete, senior Dezirae Gomez-Stoia has grown into not only a competitive swimmer but also a leader whose determination and positivity have helped shape the team’s culture.
Gomez-Stoia’s journey into swimming began with a simple but powerful feeling. Drawn to the water at a young age, she quickly realized there was something special about the sport.
“What got me first interested in swim is how I felt when swimming,” Gomez-Stoia said. “I just loved the feeling of flying while I swam.”
That sense of freedom became the foundation of her commitment, pushing her through early mornings, long practices, and intense competition.
Her daily routine during the season reflects that dedication. Practices begin with 30 minutes of dryland training, where athletes focus on strengthening their core and building endurance. After that, swimmers dive into the pool for a 300-meter freestyle warm-up before moving into technique work and practicing starts.
While the training can be physically demanding, Gomez-Stoia views it as an essential part of improving and staying competitive.
Despite the individual nature of racing, Gomez-Stoia believes the true strength of her team lies in its unity.
“What makes swim so unique is that it may seem like an individual sport majority of the time, but every event someone swims in is a team event,” Gomez-Stoia explained. “Whether it’s just us cheering that person on or giving encouragement for them to do good in the race, we all come together and make every event a team effort.”
This sense of support, she says, extends beyond her own team, creating a positive and encouraging environment at meets.
One of the most defining moments of Gomez-Stoia’s career came at last year’s “last chance” meet. Competing in the 100-meter backstroke, she was chasing a regional qualifying time. With her teammates cheering her on from the deck, she touched the wall just one second under the cutoff.
“Seeing all of my teammates there cheering me on and us all celebrating me making the cut with a second to spare is something I will never forget,” Gomez-Stoia said.
The moment not only marked a personal achievement but also highlighted the powerful bond within the team.
Her senior season, however, didn’t begin without obstacles. Early in the year, Gomez-Stoia suffered a broken thumb, forcing her to take a month-long break from the pool.
For many athletes, such a setback could derail a season, but she returned with even greater determination. Since then, she has successfully made every qualifying cut in the events she has competed in, an accomplishment she considers one of her proudest.
Now, with her high school career nearing its end, Gomez-Stoia has set ambitious goals.
Currently ranked in the top eight for backstroke in her region, she is focused on climbing into the top four and earning a spot at the state championships in an individual event. The goal is challenging, but her track record suggests it is well within reach.
Beyond times and rankings, Gomez-Stoia values the atmosphere of swim meets the most.
“My favorite part about the swim meets is the amount of cheering everyone does for each other,” Gomez-Stoia said. “Even when something goes wrong, we try to uplift the person to get them ready for their next race.”
That encouragement has been a constant throughout her career and is something she hopes continues after she graduates.
As a senior, she also understands the importance of guiding younger swimmers who are just starting out. Her advice is rooted in both discipline and individuality.
“If you do everything correctly, you are bound to improve,” Gomez-Stoia said. “Learn from those who have more experience, but also try things differently because you are your own person.”
With her resilience, leadership, and passion for the sport, Desirae Gomez-Stoia has made a lasting impact on her swim program.
As she prepares to take the next step beyond high school, she leaves behind not only impressive accomplishments in the pool but also a strong example of what it means to be a dedicated teammate and competitor.
