Click here to read this week’s Athlete Q&A.

Zoe Porteous
Scorpions Swimmer

Where are you from?
Kelso, Wash.

When did you move here?
About five, six years ago.

What sports do you do?
Just swimming.

What’s your favorite part?
All my teammates and making friends and making bonds with all my coaches.

The worst part?
Waking up at 5 o’clock in the morning to go swim.

Do you have any favorite sports teams or athlete?
Michael Phelps, I watched him swim and I always look at Rebecca Soni’s stroke.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not swimming?
I like to watch Netflix.

Favorite television show?
“South Park.”

Favorite food?
Mint chocolate chip ice cream.

What do you aspire to be when you’re older?
Either a lawyer or a doctor.

What kind of valuable lessons has swimming taught you?
Dedication, definitely. Never to give up. It’s always going to be hard but you have to push through it.

How do you balance sports, school, family and social life?
It’s really hard. I’m exhausted a lot, but worth it. I don’t hang out much during the week. I go to practice, go to school, go to practice, go home, do homework, go to bed.

Do you have any prerace superstitions or routines?
I always knock myself on the head before I race.

Who’s been the most influential person in your life?
Probably my dad, Ben, and my coach Sean.

Is there a memorable race you’ve had in your career?
The first time I made the state cut in my 200 breaststroke, about three years ago. That’s when I realized “Hey I can do this, I’m fast enough.”