Kaia Grobe grew up in a pool. Zoe Avestruz thought going to a water park was swimming.

The Chanhassen teammates have taken much different routes in becoming two of the most prolific girls' swimmers in the country. Grobe excels as a sprinter in the freestyle events; Avestruz stands out in the backstroke and butterfly. Both seniors are being recruited by the nation's top college programs, including the Gophers.

"They have bright futures, and it will be exciting to see where swimming takes them to school," Chanhassen coach Kristen Nicholson said. "I'm so proud of both of them."

Most of the top two teams in the state have at least two excellent swimmers. The speedy Storm tandem just happens to be a notch above the competition.

"They stand out above the rest," said Elizabeth Hansen, coach of Class 2A defending state champion Wayzata. "Their swimming explains it all. They rule their events."

It doesn't matter the city or pool location, there is a good chance Grobe or Avestruz — or sometimes both — are climbing out of the water having just set a record.

The pair has been a part of eight of the 12 team records, with five All-America times — the top 100 times in the country in each event on a yearly basis as recorded by the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association. Grobe and Avestruz combined with senior teammate Kylie Dahlgren to establish state records in the 200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle relay events last year. Bridgette Grobe (Kaia's sister) rounded out the 200 medley team, while Shelby Holmes was the fourth member of the 400 freestyle relay group.

"We have joked that we should bring money with us to pay for the switching of the record boards," Nicholson said. "It does get expensive when you are changing records all of the time."

Kaia Grobe, steeped in years of club swimming long before she reached high school, said: "Sometimes I'm totally oblivious to records when they announce them. Breaking records is a sense of accomplishment."

Avestruz, who did not swim competitively until four years ago, has one Minnesota high school mark she definitely has her sights set on: the 100 backstroke. The record is held by Olympian Rachel Bootsma, who at Eden Prairie High School swam a time of 51.53 seconds in 2010.

"I use records as goals," Avestruz said. "Rachel went on to win a gold medal in the Olympics. When you think of it that way, it's kind of daunting."

Family tradition

Grobe is carrying on a storied family tradition. Her mother, Joy, and sister both went on to compete at the Division I level. Bridgette is currently a freshman with the Gophers.

"I was dragging them to the pool with me since they were in diapers," said her mother, who as Joy Hollenback was a diver at the University of Houston before transferring to Minnesota for her final two seasons. "It was a great thing when they came into my world."

Joy had different plans for her two daughters. She serves as the Chanhassen diving coach, and she was hoping to see them follow in her footsteps.

"I allowed them to make the decision, and have always been supportive of them," Joy said. "I probably could have fought a little harder."

Kaia is the three-time state champion in the 100 freestyle and has won the 50 freestyle on two occasions. Unlike Kaia, Bridgette swims the breaststroke.

"They each have their own areas of expertise," Joy said. "If you love them enough, eventually you have to let them go."

An All-Lake Conference selection since seventh grade, Kaia is a diligent worker and very determined. She has only missed two practices over that time period. She plans her academics and social calendar around swimming.

Nicholson likes to draw similarities between Kaia and a dolphin, saying: "Her stroke is smooth and flawless and she glides through the water much like a dolphin. Dolphins also have a quiet and gentle way. Kaia has a quiet side to her. She has a gentle spirit and grace that people gravitate to. Make no mistake about it, she has passion but she shows it in a humble and mature way."

Late bloomer

Unlike her teammate, Avestruz didn't decide to give swimming a try until she was 13.

"When I was younger, my dad [Alex] said he would teach me all the strokes," Avestruz said. "I told him that I didn't want to learn."

Avestruz also had another reason that she chuckles about to this day.

"I thought swim caps made people look ugly," Avestruz said. The recently turned 17-year-old — young for her grade — has previously done some modeling.

Avestruz has seen her swimming career take off since transferring from Farmington to Chanhassen after her freshman year. She is the two-time defending state champion in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly.

Avestruz, more of a social butterfly than Grobe, can be seen at Nicholson's side at meets constantly talking to her mentor. Her little brother, Xander, and little sister, Zaria, will be on the sidelines with signs and pictures cheering their very competitive sibling on to victory. She acknowledges them with hugs, high-fives or smiles from a distance.

"Zoe started this sport as a freshman, which is mind-blowing," Nicholson said. "Many athletes start their swimming career when they are young children. Zoe was a little raw when she first started, but her athleticism helped catapult her to the top in no time. She had the basics and most importantly had a feel for the water that no one can teach."

Not bad for somebody who has constantly been on the go since she was a little child. Avestruz has moved 16 times in her young life.

"I've moved around a lot in my life, whether it was job opportunities for my parents or different family circumstances," said Avestruz, who has also lived in California and Florida. "I know how to pack really well."

Future destination

Both didn't waste any time trimming their list of possible college destinations. The only common denominator for the duo is the Gophers.

"The first day [July 1] coaches could call me, I had eight calls," Grobe said. "I was walking around the house sweating."

Grobe has officially visited Tennessee. She will be in Dinkytown this weekend before heading UCLA for her final visit.

"It's been fun and exciting," Grobe said.

Avestruz is only making two stops. She has already visited Texas and will take a look at the Gophers later this month.

"I never thought I would be at this level," Avestruz said. "I still have a lot to learn."

Both have learned plenty, in the pool and classroom. They are honor roll students, too.

"Their hard work and perseverance has put them in a position that many athletes strive for — Division I recruitment," Nicholson said. "I can't say enough about these two little superstars."