See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior captain Maika Tardia of the Chaska girls swimming & diving team.)
When did you start swimming? What drew you to the sport initially?
I started swimming when I was 7 on our local club team (West Express) because both my sister and my dad were already on the team. My parents have always made water safety a priority by starting swim lessons at a young age of 6 months. As I continued, I began to love the sport even more.
What events do you specialize in?
My best events are the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley.
What has been your favorite memory of Chaska swimming? Any specific meets or races that stand out?
I think my favorite memory within Chaska swim and dive is when I got to swim the 400 freestyle relay with my older sister at senior night her senior year. This was really special because it was the last time we would ever swim together. Overall, just spending quality time bonding with the team through breakfasts after Saturday practices, post meet dinner and sections sleepovers.
Swim practices can be awfully repetitive, yet I’ve always marveled at how swimmers can find creative ways to turn them into something fun, even goofy at times. What are some of the silliest, goofiest times you’ve had during practice?
Swim practices are quite boring but it is the people who make the sport. I love spending time with my friends during practices, specifically social kick and racing throughout sets helps make the time go faster. We also have games that we occasionally play which feels like instant gratification for our work.
As we head into the end of the swim season, what are some of your individual and team goals?
As a team we obviously drive to win meets, but we also try and work on technicalities such as turns, starts and stroke. Individually, I always strive to try my best but the ultimate goal is a best time. That could either be a season best or a personal best, I am always trying to improve.
What are your plans for next year?
I am planning on going to college, and even though I don’t think I will go into collegiate swimming, I will definitely be doing club swimming at any college that I go to.
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
Being a team captain is a privilege. Not only do I have the opportunity to lead an amazing group, but I also become a role model to the younger girls on the team. I have always looked up to the captains on the team, especially in my middle school years, so I hope I can be that for someone else. I am glad I can contribute everything I have to a team that has given me so much.
The Hawks Girls’ swim and dive host rival Chanhassen on Tuesday, Oct 14 at Pioneer Ridge Middle School, starting at 6 p.m.
