On Friday, Dec. 6, MT junior Cami Schwartz competed in the 2024 Toyota U.S. Open Championships. At the event in Greensboro, North Carolina, Schwartz swam 1:04.29 in the 100 yard breaststroke, finishing as the 14th Junior swimmer.

Swimming since the age of 4, Schwartz has grown with a mindset of always giving her best.

“You know that you have to go out and give it your best, and after your race, it’s out of your hands,” said Schwartz.

After hitting the qualifying time of 1:13.29 with a 1:13.06 last year, Schwartz had the opportunity to compete. Looking back on the event, Schwartz enjoyed rubbing shoulders with the best.

”Competing at this meet was super cool because I was able to watch the best of the best compete. I was able to be in the presence of 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist Drew Killer and 2016 Rio Olympian Rhyan White,” said Schwartz.

However, competing at a high level meet also came with some pressure.

”You want to be able to prove yourself to everyone watching, specifically to the college coaches that are watching, in hopes of them reaching out,” said Schwartz.

When asked what she attributes her success to, Schwartz drew back to her mindset of hard work.

”I am a three sport athlete (field hockey, swimming and track and field), so I have to cherish each and every second that I have the ability to train,” she said.

Schwartz re-entered the pool following the end of the field hockey season less than a month before competition. She claims her work ethic was what allowed her to prepare for the meet in such a short amount of time.

”Any given week you could find me at the pool six or seven days for two hours and sometimes even two times a day,” said Schwartz.

In addition to her intense swimming routine, Schwartz regularly spends time building strength and mobility outside of practice.

After competing in the U.S. Open, Schwartz is ready to enter Township’s winter season strong.

”I know what it takes to go far, and the expectations rise each year,” said Schwartz.

The MT Swim Team will compete against Warwick on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.