The alarm goes off, it’s 5 am, and lifting starts at 6. School lets out and it is time for a two-hour swim practice. On Saturday mornings, most people are ready to dive back into bed, but Maddy Coombs dives into the pool. Her dedication to these daily routines has paid off, making her a future Division 1 athlete.
Coombs recently signed with James Madison University surrounded by her club team at the Keystone Aquatic Center and will be acknowledged for her accomplishments on Carlisle’s winter signing day, February 7th, 2024. She was drawn to JMU because it has “a lovely campus, a science program I was interested in, as well as a team and coaches who were supportive and cheerful.”
Growing up surrounded by a positive team culture has helped Coombs succeed as well as encouraging her decision to join James Madison. When she races, it’s game on, but on the pool deck, she is an uplifting and humorous teammate. Her favorite memory from Carlisle is “listening to music with the girls team in locker rooms and after meets.”
Leading up to meet day, Coombs shares, “I prepare myself for meets by staying hydrated throughout the week and prioritizing my sleep schedule so I am well rested.” As an athlete, there is high value in nourishing your body and allowing it to reset. Her favorite thing to do after competing is to enjoy a meal and fuel up on Chick-fil-a or pasta.
Coombs has been swimming for ten years and has moved numerous times. She has been with CHS’s team since her sophomore year, and mentions, “high school swimming has helped with my motivation through the season. The fun environment helps create a better mood.” Without having an off season, the endless, strenuous practices become exhausting, but she finds the high school team refreshing.
Having already won 2 golds at PIAA Districts in the 500 freestyle and competing at the state level, she has set personal goals for the 2023-2024 season. Coombs hopes, “to drop time in my best events and compete successfully at Mid-Penns, Districts, and hopefully States.” Her main events are the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 200 IM, and 100 butterfly, all of which she holds records in. Her name can also be seen in the 200-medley relay record.
Throughout the high school season, Coombs practices with her club team whenever she is available and will continue to train with them after her senior season concludes. She feels prepared for swimming at the next level, sharing that her training has developed a “strong work ethic and self-discipline through every practice.”
Maddy is a leader on her team and is looked up to by her younger teammates, her advice to younger athletes would be to “keep encouraging yourself, take every opportunity given to you, and don’t create limits for yourself.”
Fans can support Maddy and the rest of the swim team at their next home meet on January 16th at the Dickinson College Kline Center at 7PM.
