Greely High’s Audrey Cohen and Cape Elizabeth’s David Steinbrick each have been recognized as Swimmer of the Year by the Maine Interscholastic Swim League Association.
Steinbrick won the 200 yard free (1:45.84) and the 500 free (4:37.32) in addition to collecting gold medals in the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay to lead Cape Elizabeth High School to its third consecutive Maine Principals Association Class B Swimming and Diving Championship. For his performance the senior received the Performer of the Meet Award.
At February’s championship held at the University of Maine, the Capers collected 436 points to 301 for runner up Morse High of Bath.
Cohen won two gold medals in the 200 individual medley (2:08.37)) and the 100 breaststroke (1:04.06) and competed on the Rangers’ 200 free relay with a 24.21 lead off swim and a 53.64 400 free relay first leg at the Class B Swimming and Diving Championship. Cohen and her teammates finished seventh in the 20-team field.
“She has set a standard for the girls and the boys teams. She is the most intense swimmer in practice or at a meet. She goes for it. She loves to race,” said Rob Hale, Greely High coach and pool director.
The 2023 National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association 100 breaststroke All-American also earned Maine 2023-24 All State honors in the 200 free (1:53.19) and the 100 breaststroke (1:04.01) as well as a place on the 200 free relay.
“She wants to be the best she can be and does not back down from anyone in the pool,” noted Hale, a member of the Maine State Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame
While her competitive approach in practice and in competitions has established a benchmark for the team’s preparation and performance, Hale commended Cohen for her team focus.
“She wants to swim for the team. She is very team oriented. She bounds into practice every day ready to practice. She encourages all of her teammates in practice and meets,” Hale said.
The Maine interscholastic record holder in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.27), will compete for Penn State University next season.
Earning All-State recognition this year in the 200 free (1:43.27), 500 free (4:36.73), 200 medley relay, and the 400 free relay, Steinbrick captained Cape his junior and senior seasons.
In December, he anchored Cape’s state-record 200 medley relay (1:37.19) with a 21.26 freestyle leg.
Responding to Steinbrick’s selection, Hale, whose Rangers have raced against Stenbrick in dual meets, the Southwesterns, and the MPA Championship said, “David is a kid I would have loved to coach. He is such a good kid who happens to be an outstanding swimmer.
“The true measure is when the opponents have high praise of you as a person.”
