Q&A: Team vibe propels top Armstrong swimmer Courtney Evensen

Swimming takes up nearly all of Courtney Evensen's life. She is a state meet-caliber competitor, with three second-place and three third-place finishes for Armstrong in individual state tournament events to her credit.

When the high school season is over, she swims for Aquajets, the metro's most celebrated swimming club. She recently committed to the University of Missouri on a swimming scholarship.

So what does Evensen do when she wants to get away? She hits the open water.

"My family has gone on a lot of cruises," Evensen said. "I've seen the Caribbean, Alaska. My favorite was a trans-Atlantic cruise. We flew to Spain, spent some time cruising the islands there, then crossed the Atlantic. We didn't see land for six days."

With all of the time she spends in liquid, wouldn't she prefer to get away from it when she can?

"Actually, I love cruises. The staff is always so nice and they get anything you need for you," she said. "I love the fact that I can't go to the pool, so I just get to relax."

Evensen talked to staff writer Jim Paulsen about her life aquatic.

A: It was hard at first, not having my biggest supporter next to me. It's gotten a lot easier with school and everything else going on. She's swimming at Iowa State right now and modern technology has made it a lot easier. She's only a text [message] away.

Q: Did you ever consider joining her at Iowa State?

A: I considered it, but when I went to Mizzou, it just felt like the right fit. I love the coaches and the team philosophy. The team was super-welcoming and the facilities are amazing. I kind of knew right away.

Q: Missouri will give you a chance to compete in the south.

A: I'm really looking forward to that. I've gone to a meet in Florida every year but that's the only pool I've swam in the south. I'm excited to see more.

A: I love getting to race against my Aquajets teammates. And in high school swimming, the school can rally around and support the team.

Q: What kinds of things stand out about high school swimming?

A: I love the bus rides and the singing songs on the bus. That is so much fun. And the cheering at the meets. There's always someone supporting you.

Q: You've had a superb high school career, but you have yet to win an individual state championship. I assume that's your goal for this year?

A: I hope to. But my goal for the state meet is to have fun and enjoy my last meet with my friends and supporters.

A: Yes. The 200 and 500 freestyles. Also, the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. The girls on those teams have really stepped up, and we're going faster. Hopefully, we can make the top eight.

Q: You seem to specialize in the long distances. What do you think about when you're swimming 500 yards?

A: To be honest, I really don't know what I'm thinking about. I know my whole body hurts when I get done. I just try to focus on swimming and telling myself how far I have to go.

Q: You must swim longer races in club swimming.

A: I swim everything from the 50 to the 1,000.

A: I swam the mile once. … I didn't do so well, so I don't do it anymore. That's good, because that's way too long.