“What are your plans next year? What do you want to study? Are you going to continue your sport?”

These are the constant questions that student-athletes are asked their senior year when deciding what their future will look like. For senior Reese Anderson, it was a no-brainer. She committed to continue her academic and athletic career at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she will swim for the next four years. 

Anderson said that she would not be where she is today without her mentors that have pushed her to be the best version of herself both in and out of the pool. 

“My coaches are my biggest motivators because they’ve helped me through a lot of different stages in my life,” Anderson said. “They have seen me at my best and worst and make sure I’m in the right mindset.”

Anderson values the relationship she has with Central’s swim coach Stephanie Seidel. She is grateful for all the time and effort that Seidel has put into helping her be successful. 

“We have grown closer to each other, and she pushes me in a different way than I’ve ever had a coach push me before,” Anderson said. “Our relationship is really personal and she helps me with stuff that’s not just swimming.”

From the coaches side, Seidel has seen a version of Anderson that reflects her hard work and dedication to the sport. 

“Reese is a remarkable young woman who consistently demonstrates talent, integrity, and selflessness,” Seidel said. “As a swimmer, she combines natural ability with an incredible work ethic. As a person, she is kind, humble, and team-oriented—someone who genuinely cares about those around her.”

Junior Kenadie Johnson, one of Anderson’s swim teammates, has grown close with Anderson throughout the years and will miss the laughter and kindness that she brings each day. 

“She’s a great teammate in swimming,” Johnson said. “She always helps me push myself as much as I can. She’s the first one to cheer for you at a meet.”

Johnson and Anderson have grown a strong bond outside of swimming as well. Anderson has become a strong leader that others can look up to. 

“Outside of the water we are really good friends, and she’s so supportive and caring,” Johnson said. “I know that if I have any problems, I can come to her and she’ll be able to help me get through them.” 

Even though she is looking forward to what awaits in the future, she is grateful for everything the swim program at Central has given her, and the people it has brought her close to. 

“I am going to miss all my teammates and always having so much fun at practice,” Anderson said. 

Anderson is able to laugh and have fun while focusing on improving her technique, and Johnson and her teammates notice that. 

“She’s such a great friend and teammate and everyone loves just being around her,” Johnson said. “She always has a positive mindset and she knows how to get stuff done. She’s very hardworking and she always has a good spirit.”

Despite swimmers competing in individual events, swimming is very much a team sport, and Seidel sees Reese as a team player, who cheers on her teammates no matter what occurred during her performance that day. 

“Younger swimmers look up to her because she models dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship,” Seidel said. “She celebrates her teammates’ successes just as enthusiastically as her own, which speaks volume about her character.”

Since day one, Anderson has been committed to herself and her teammates, and Seidel sees all the hard work that she puts in each day. 

“No matter what race she swims, she competes with heart and determination, and there is something special about seeing her trust her training and finish strong,” Seidel said. “Watching her grow more confident and composed each season has been incredibly rewarding.”

Anderson had struggles throughout the recruiting process, but in the end she found the school that is right for her. 

“I had to send out lots of emails and coordinate with coaches to set up class,” Anderson said. “I made a lot of mistakes throughout the process, but it all worked out in the end because I am going to a school I am really excited to go to.”

Whether you are in the middle of trying to be recruited or have no idea where to start, Anderson has advice that she wished she knew when she started. 

“Don’t be hard on yourself when you don’t get an email back and coaches aren’t answering,” Anderson said. “Focus on practicing and getting better and working on yourself. The time will come and you will find a school and coach.”

Anderson is hopeful for what the next four years have in store for her, and swimming at Marquette University is the perfect fit. There were many factors that she determined in finding the right school, and she is happy with her decision. 

“I wanted to be close to home but far enough where it felt like a new opportunity,” Anderson said. 

Despite the bittersweet sentiment, now that her time swimming at Parkway Central has ended, Anderson looks forward to what opportunities lie ahead of her. 

“Knowing I have four more years left I am just excited,” Anderson said. “I know I am going to have even more memories with my teammates so I’m looking forward to that.”

Her presence will be greatly missed, but the lasting impact Anderson has had on the swim team and for the future, proves that she is a teammate that everyone wants to have. 

“Reese has left a lasting mark on our program, where she has helped shape the culture of our team through her work ethic, character, and commitment,” Seidel said. “I am incredibly proud of the athlete and person she has become, and I have no doubt she will continue to accomplish great things at Marquette University.”