Con Ed award: Motivated Niessl stands as a symbol of leadership
(Original publication: November 10, 2007)
Stephanie Niessl has used her diverse
Czechoslovakian background as a motivation for her success.
"The assimilation into the culture was the hardest part," said the Con Edison
Athlete of the Week. "My mom is a lot more strict than a lot of my friends'
parents. I have had so many more opportunities growing up than they did in
Czechoslovakia, and I just want to make them proud."
Niessl, who is fluent in Czech, uses her parents and her family as her main
source of motivation.
"I want to make my parents proud," said Niessl. "They really push me to get
good grades and do well in school."
Maintaining her 97 overall average is no small task for Niessl.
She swims on the Brewster team four months a year and in her off-season she
competes with the Boys and Girls Northern Westchester Marlins swim team.
Niessl is also a member of the Math and National Honors Society, Safe School
ambassadors, in which she prevents bullying in school, and she has recently
joined the Environmental Club, helping to begin recycling programs in Brewster.
"Swimming helps me out a lot in my time management," Niessl said. "I don't
have that much free time. I constantly have to be somewhere, 24/7."
Niessl's greatest accomplishments have come in the pool, shattering sectional
records in the 400 freestyle relay as well as the 200 relay. She has also
qualified for states in the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.
"She's the pulse of the team," Brewster coach Clare Carr said. "She's the
most versatile swimmer that I've coached. She swims whatever event I need her
to. She will be sorely missed when she graduates."
Niessl will be competing in the state championships for the fifth straight
year, and is well-prepared to be successful.
"She's a real fighter, she's never dogged an event," Carr said. "She's been
in states before and she won't be flustered. She's a seasoned athlete and she'll
do very well."
Niessl is also the heart and soul of the team, being named captain for the
third consecutive year.
"I love being the role model for the younger swimmers," Niessl said. I love
the fact that everyone looks up to you, that you are the symbol of leadership."
"She's an incredible leader," Carr added. "She pumps up the kids, her energy
is contagious and she has a great work ethic."
Niessl has helped lead the Bears to a 9-1 record this season.
Her dedication to the sport sets her apart from other athletes in the sport.
"I can credit the support of my friends and family for my success," Niessl
said.
"I have dedicated a lot to the sport. I have given up a lot of my social life
to get where I am today. I am a very goal-oriented person."
Reach Dan Marra at
dmarra@lohud.com
or
914-696-8233.
The Con Edison Athlete of the Week recognizes students in
Westchester
and Putnam schools who excel athletically. Academic achievements, leadership,
citizenship, school and community activities are also factors. The winner is
selected each week by a panel of athletic directors, coaches and Journal News
sports writers who review ballots submitted by each athlete's athletic director
or coach.
|
Con Ed Award winner
Name:
Stephanie Niessl
School:
Brewster
Year: Senior
Birth date: Oct. 22, 1990
Sport: Swimming
Likes: Dance marathon, hanging out with friends, listening to music
Dislikes: Liars
Future plans: To attend Duke University, where she will major in English
literature or psychology and swim for the Blue Devils