By: William Whalen, Wednesday, March 7, 2018, TRIB-LIVE
School: Fox Chapel
Class: Senior
Sport: Swimming
Report card: Filo is the next one in a recent line of A-K Valley swimmers to go Division I. The Florida Gulf Coast commit will make her second trip to the PIAA Class AAA swimming championships at Bucknell on March 14-15. Filo finished second in the 100-yard butterfly (56.67) at last weekend’s WPIAL Class AAA championships. She swam the third leg of the Foxes’ 200-yard medley relay, which finished fourth (1:48.84) to earn a trip to states.
How long have you been swimming competitively?
Technically, I was in the water when I was 7 days old. Competitively, I was swimming since I was 4. I started at the Natrona Heights YMCA and Sylvan Pool during the summer.
How many hours a week do you spend in the pool?
About 12 hours.
How did it feel finishing up your last WPIAL championships?
I didn’t think I was going to be as emotional as I was, but at the end of the meet all the emotions came out.
What goes through your mind when you’re on the block and waiting for the whistle to sound?
I (have) this determined type of feeling. You have to be very focused (on the sound) and how you want your dive to be.
What is your favorite event?
I actually think the 100 butterfly is my favorite.
Your sister, Jaclyn, is a sophomore on the team. Is there any sibling rivalry there?
Not really. We actually swim different events. It doesn’t matchup. It’s one of my favorite parts of swimming is being with my sister.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
That everything will work out. Don’t stress, work hard and have fun.
Who is your favorite swimmer?
Michael Phelps, and I also like Missy Franklin
How do you get prepared before an event?
I’ll go up a little early so I can listen to music and block everything out.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Lil Uzi Vert.
What do you eat before a swim meet?
The night before I’ll have pasta, and in the morning I’ll have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
What three words best describe you?
Funny. Outgoing. Competitive.
What three people would you like to have dinner with?
My grandparents, Michael Phelps and Drake.
What is your favorite subject at school?
History.
What are you going to study at Florida Gulf Coast?
I’m studying marketing, but, anything with business.
Why did you choose Florida Gulf Coast?
The weather is amazing. When I went down for my official visit I really liked the team, coach and atmosphere. It really felt right.
What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?
I can wiggle my ears.