Alexa Fulton, who is a member of the Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY) swim team program, was recently named to the roster of the 2022-23 National Junior Team by USA Swimming. Only 72 swimmers from across the country were selected for the team.

Alexa, 17, a senior at Downingtown East High School, has been swimming with the UMLY swim program for five years. "I first started swimming (10 years ago) just during the summers because I had a lot of friends who were swimmers," Alexa said. "Initially, swimming was just a fun way to spend time with my friends, but as I got older, I got more involved and interested in the competitive aspect."

The National Junior Team consists of athletes age 18 and under. Members at this year's class of swimmers are from 61 clubs and from 26 states.

"The four fastest 18-and-under swimmers in each Olympic event (at the YMCA Nationals) are invited to join the National Junior Team," Alexa explained. "As a member of the National Junior Team, I am invited to attend a training camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with the rest of the Junior Team in April (2023). I will also have the opportunity to represent Team USA internationally this upcoming summer."

Alexa specializes in sprint freestyle, competing in 50- and 100-meter events. "The 50 is such a fast event, there's not really much time for thinking. I love just being able to get up on the blocks, turn my brain off and swim as fast as I can," she said.

Currently, Alexa practices two hours a day, six days a week with the club team at UMLY. "I also do a bit of strength training and dryland (training) two days a week," she noted.

Alexa said that she enjoys being part of a swim team. "By far, my favorite aspect of swimming is the team elements. While swimming is often thought of as an individual sport, I wouldn't be where I am without the support of my teammates," she stated. "I've met all my best friends through swimming, and they are the reason I am able to motivate myself to get through practice each day. As fulfilling as personal success can be, it's nothing compared to succeeding with your teammates. I have always loved competing at YMCA Nationals because of the emphasis put on the team at that meet. The relays are always a highlight and stand out to me as some of my happiest moments in the sport."

Since 1971, the UMLY swim team has had athletes go on to represent the country in international competitions, qualify in multiple Olympic Trials and swim competitively for colleges and universities across the nation. To learn more about the program, visit http://www.ymcagbw.org/UMLYswimteam.

"I am so grateful for all of the opportunities swimming has brought me. I owe so much to my amazing coaches Jamie Krull and Todd Conrad, who have had such a huge impact on my swimming career," said Alexa, who will attend University of Texas next fall. "I also need to thank my family, who has always been so supportive and willing to spend countless hours at swim meets only to watch me swim a 25-second race."