By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Shannon Niederhauser looks like a natural in the pool.
That shouldn’t come as any surprise to those who know anything about Washington Pam Pack swimming.
Her brother, Galen Niederhauser, holds multiple records for the Pam Pack. Having a brother with so much knowledge and experience, Niederhauser turns to him every chance she gets.
Along with having a rather famous last name among area swimming circles comes some notoriety. And maybe some pressure.
Niederhauser, who has been swimming since she was 6, said she tries not to think too much about it. Instead, she focuses on what she can do in the pool.
That attitude and strategy has worked wonders for the friendly, outgoing sophomore. Niederhauser will be competing in four events during Saturday’s Class 3-A East Regional meet in Goldsboro.
Niederhauser will be competing in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay. She enters the meet with personal-best times of 27.02 seconds in the 50 free, 1:01.96 in the 100 free, 2:08.7 in the 200 medley relay and a 1:51.3 in the 200 freestyle relay.
Niederhauser, who also plays soccer and tennis, said having the experience of performing at last year’s regional and state meets should help.
The star swimmer, who said she has a “crush” on Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps, is quickly closing in on her preseason goals.
Two of her biggest fans, parents Bruce and Sheryl Niederhauser, will be there to help root her on at regionals.
While Niederhauser is a natural once she puts on the swimming suit, she also seems a natural in the classroom. Niederhauser, who enjoys shopping and hanging out with her friends and family, is able to keep up good grades despite the time commitment spent on swimming. She carries a 3.5 GPA and is an honor roll member.
While Niederhauser may be serious about her swimming and studies, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t bring a quick smile to her coach and teammates.
Niederhauser may use her strong strokes while competing against others, but oftentimes she’s competing against herself.
Niederhauser is well on her way. And maybe she can join her brother in the record books.