Page 30 - CLS Winter 2021 draft

SWIMMING SENIORS
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lindsay Flynn, Caroline Van Nort, Sophie Egan, Maria Llerenas Soto, Hannah Hollingsworth, Mehr Khandelwal
BACK ROW (L-R): Kieran Amin, Stephen Kim, Andy Dorsel, Kwame Thornhill, Abhinav Krishnan, Ethan Bershad
Congratulations Seniors!
KIERAN AMIN - CAPTAIN
When Kieran was new to Charlotte Latin as a ninth-grade student, class- mates Andy and Kwame suggested he join the swim team, so he did. In Ki- eran’s words, he was “completely un- sure” what he was getting himself into, but he made some new friends and enjoyed participating in a varsity sport. Over the past four years, Kieran’s studious approach, and commitment have led to tremendous improvement. This year, with his Hawk teammates shouting loudly from the deck, Kieran achieved his first state qualifying cut in his favorite event, the 100 breast- stroke. Kieran serves on the Student Council’s executive board, plays in the band, works as a counselor in Latin’s summer camp programs, teaches tae- kwondo and is involved in several ser- vice organizations. He also represents track and field on the Student Athlete Leadership Team and competes in the pole vault and the high jump. Kieran’s fun-loving demeanor, quick wit, and inherent leadership skills will take him far in college and beyond.
ETHAN BERSHAD - CAPTAIN
Ethan entered Latin as a middle school student. In the classroom, Ethan’s favorite subject is math and he serves as the president of the Spanish Club. Ethan also participates in the Settlers of Catan, a game that requires strategy, vision and negotiation. He puts these skills to use in the pool as well – Ethan is a great strategist when he races, pacing properly at every distance, and he enjoys considering various options to optimize our team score at states. Ethan loves representing the Hawks and always competes with a team-first attitude. His favorite meet of the year is the state championship because of the camaraderie of the experience, but he can be counted on to give his all at ev- ery meet, and in any event, always with an eye toward the team’s goals. Ethan shares two plaques on the record board with his Latin brothers in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays – records he undoubtedly has been contemplating breaking since the season began.
ANDY DORSEL - CAPTAIN
As a freshman on varsity, Andy finished 2nd in the 200 individual medley at both the conference and state champi- onship meets. We didn’t know it at the time, but he had clearly set his sights on claiming those titles, which he did the following year in record-break-
ing fashion. He repeated the feat last year, surpassing his own Latin record, establishing a new NCISAA record, and earning All-American honors. Andy also won the 100 butterfly as a junior, and is such a versatile swimmer that he could be a threat to win any event on the schedule. Although his aquatic achieve- ments are incredible, Andy’s appeal is his humble and unassuming nature.
He inwardly sets ambitious goals and doggedly pursues them. Meanwhile, he laughs with his teammates, talks easily with his coaches, and is friendly with opponents. Andy says science is his fa- vorite subject, but he won a Scholastic Gold Key award for fictional writing last year. He will continue his education and swimming career next year at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.
28 CHARLOTTE LATIN BOOSTER CLUB SPORTS MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021