Athlete Profile – Spotlight on Stephanie Geller

Who comes to mind when you think of an outstanding swimmer with a winning attitude? Any one of our fabulous Durham swimmers! Who comes to mind when you think of an outstanding swimmer who has been swimming for 6 years, while maintaining a 93% average at school, who was recently recognized by the Mayor of Whitby for her accomplishments in swimming and representing Whitby so well in National and International competitions? Well, it can only be our own Stephanie Geller!

As we watch our athletes at the pool week after week we can tend to forget what amazing individuals these girls truly are. As highly trained and disciplined, goal-oriented team workers, synchronized swimmers are certainly the elite in our communities. Stephanie Geller has further distinguishedherself as a stellar student and citizen as recognized earlier this year by the Mayor and the Council of the Town of Whitby.

Stephanie’s swimming career has been very successful from her very first year of competition. As a Tier 3 swimmer in 2004, Stephanie won the Lisa Alexander Figures Meet and followed up with 1st place figures results at the Markham Invitational and Provincial Trials. This debut year was also marked by a 3rd place Duet with partner Alex Opydo at East Regionals, a 3rd place solo at Trillium and a 2nd place team finish at Provincial Tier Championships. Quite an impressive list for a first year competitive swimmer!

In Tier 4, Stephanie racked up another 2nd place finish at Lisa Alexander and 1st in figures at Provincial Trials and East Regionals.  East Regionals also saw Stephanie capture gold in Duet with Ali Young!

Becoming a member of the top Tier 7 Team in 2006, Stephanie continued her winning ways with a  4th place in Duet with Jessica Henry at the Provincial Trials and Championships and 3rd place in Team at the 2007 Provincial Trials followed by 2nd place for Team at the Provincial Championships. At the 2007 Canadian Open she notched a 4th in figures.

2008 saw Stephanie’s greatest success to date. Provincial Championships was a near sweep for Stephanie with 1st place finishes in figures, solo and duet (again with Jessica Henry) and a 2nd in Team. This incredible performance earned Stephanie a well deserved All-Round Swimmer Trophy. The summer of 2008 was busy, winning the Aquatica Cup for team and duet in Lima, Peru as part of the 13-15 Team Ontario.

As a Tier 7 swimmer this year, Stephanie made the transition seem easy with a 5th in duet and a 1st in Team at Provincial Trials, and a 3rd in duet and repeat 1st in Team at Provincial Championships. At the recent Canadian Open, Stephanie earned 33rd in figures and an 11th in duet with her partner Jessica Henry.

The meteoric rise of Stephanie Geller is a testimony to the hard work and dedication she shows for this sport. This same determination is what no doubt allows her to be equally successful in her high school studies. Congratulations to Stephanie as one of the shining stars that enhances our club.