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CVs Jimenez makes name for herself in swimming
Aryanna wins pair of events at WAC finals
aryannajimenez
Hawk sophomore Aryanna Jimenez finished in the 100 free and 50 free while competing at the WAC Championships this past month in Los Banos. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Central Valley sophomore Aryanna Jimenez was a double-winner at the Western Athletic Conference Varsity Girls Swim Championships on April 28 at Los Banos' Pacheco High School.

"I couldn't have done it without the motivation of my team," Jimenez said. "They cheered me on."

Jimenez swept the 100 free and 50 free.
She set personal records in both events.
Aryanna was seeded third in the 100 free and fifth in the 50 free.

"It wasn't expected at all because I knew how fast the other girls were," head coach Sarah Willems said. "The pressure didn't get to her. It had an positive effect on her."

Added Jimenez: "I impressed myself."
Aryanna led from start to finish while taking first in the 50 free.

"I felt comfortable when I dove in," she said. "My turn was really crucial. If you don't have a good one, you can lose the race."

Jimenez edged out Central Valley senior Leilani Ortiz for the title.

Aryanna finished behind Leilani four times during the WAC dual season.

"She was the first person I met freshman year," Jimenez said. "We're always motivating each other to do better."

Jimenez improved her time by a second in the 100 free.

"I felt pressure," she said. "I was scared of not placing."

Aryanna took second in the 100 free and did not place in the 50 free at the 2017 WAC Championships.

"I've grown a lot since my freshman year," Jimenez said. "I'm proud of what I've been able to do in the pool. I've gained a lot of confidence."

Jimenez joined elite company this spring.

Past individual league champions from Central Valley include Taylor Rogers (class of 2011) and Cierra Alvear (2011).

"It's a huge accomplishment for me," Aryanna said. "There's still room to grow and build my legacy. My goal for the next two years is to go to sections. I was really close to making it in the 100 free this season."

Jimenez benefited from competing in another sport during the wintertime.

"Wrestling built up my endurance," she said. "The practices were three hours. It helped me lose a lot of weight. When I was in the water, I moved a lot faster."