BEYOND THE GAME WITH JORDAN PIERPONT 

Written by Tara Suess, Ardrey Kell High School 

As a junior and steadfast swimmer, Jordan Pierpont has already begun her college search and the recruitment process that goes with it.  The combination of long practice hours, competitive swim meets, regional and state tournaments has kept Jordan busy.  But after talking to her, it’s clear that Jordan is especially motivated to exceed in swimming and seriously committed to every step along the way to accomplish her goals.  It is hard to say exactly what this next year will bring for Jordan, but with her positive attitude in the world of extreme competition, it’s certain that her hard work will pay off.

How long have you been swimming?
“I have been swimming at MAC since I was seven years old, so nine years.”

How often do you practice a week?
“I practice everyday of the week but Sunday for two hours and thirty minutes.”

What event do you swim and what is your best time?
“My favorite event is the 100 and 200 butterfly.  However, at Ardrey Kell I swim 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly.  My best time in 100 fly this season is a 1:02 and a 2:03 in 200 free.”

What do you hope to achieve this season?
“I hope to make states in an individual event.  This means I would have to place top eight at regionals.”

Who in swimming inspires you the most and why?
“Coach William Keith, the Ardrey Kell coach, has made me feel like a big leader of the team.  Knowing that I am part of a team really pumps me up.  He always knows just what to say to make me swim fast and want to win.”

What colleges are you looking at right now?
“To be honest, I am looking almost everywhere.  I love the warm weather and would love to stay down south.  My favorite school right now is the University of Miami.”

How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for a meet?
“Physically I warm up a ton.  If I don’t warm up, I tense up.  Mentally I pump myself up by listening to my iPod.  I also envision everyone who has ever not believed in me watching my race and pulling against me.”

Do you have any advice that you would give someone who wants to begin swimming?
“Run! Fast!  Haha, just kidding.  I would say to do what you love but make sure you truly love to swim before making such a huge decision.  It’s a lot of time.

What are the dynamics of your two swim teams?
“The Ardrey Kell  swim team has a lot of spirit.  We have a lot of fun and work hard.  The MAC swim team is a family.  We have grown up together.  We’ve gone through so much as a team from funerals to weddings.  Some times they can get on my nerves, but at the end of the day, they are the best, most understanding and supportive teammates I could ever ask for.”