Tessa Heck, 18, brings leadership, drive and a little bit of Elton John to each swim practice.
“It keeps practice more fun,” said Heck, a senior swimmer for Glacier High School. “Honky Cat has been pretty popular lately.”
Sometimes it’s a song heard on the way to morning practice, but more often it’s an Elton John duet with fellow swimmer Brian Hoffman that keeps the rhythm of practice upbeat.
Competitive meets are different. For Heck, they are a time for introspection and team support.
“I think it’s important for everyone in the water to know their team is there to back them up and cheer them on,” she said. “(Younger swimmers) follow the older kids and I’m one of the older kids this year. You lead by example.”
A shoulder injury before her freshman year forced Heck to take a break from the pool. With physical therapy, Heck was back to competing by her sophomore year.
One of her proudest moments was being accepted to Pacific Lutheran University in Washington and earning academic scholarships, she said.
Whatever the future is for Heck, she would like to continue swimming.
“You can hear your breathing and heart beating. It’s kind of soothing for me in a way.” she said. “I like the (starting) block the best. It’s just you and the water.”