by Sophia Wooden ’20

Simply put, junior Amanda Wenhold is a swimming champion. As only a sophomore last year, Wenhold claimed state titles in the 50-free and 100-free, and she was a member of a 400-freestyle relay that also won at states. She was also a major reason why Sherwood girls won 1st place at Metros and Maryland 4A region championships. Wenhold did not win just because of her talent, but also because of her continued dedication.

Wenhold started swimming when she was only six years old, and she grew up in a household of swimmers. Her dad used to be the University of Maryland swim coach and now coaches her. Wenhold’s sister, Jaimy, swims currently at Wingate University in North Carolina. Swimming is a way that her family is connected. Wenhold also swims club year-round at Maryland Suburban Swim Club (MSSC), with practices every day except Sunday from 4-6 pm, with weight lifting before each practice. Even with the level of commitment to MSSC, she still swims for Sherwood in the winter and Tanterra Pool during the summer.

As one can imagine, it is very hard to manage swimming and school while still wanting to have fun with friends. “Since I am swimming all the time, I can’t really go to any school functions like football games and homecoming, which really sucks. I can’t do things most teens do,” said Wenhold. Besides swimming, school is a priority and that is shown through her schedule. Wenhold also makes sure to do her homework before the school day ends by finding time in between classes and during lunch to work.

Sherwood swim coach Brendan Lees says that Wenhold is a very versatile swimmer.

“She’s always wanting to do her best. She’s a great competitor; she knows how to get herself ready for her races,”said Lees.

Wenhold is extremely persistent in following her intense practice schedule and has high expectations for Sherwood swimming this upcoming season.  “I hope to win states again and metros and hopefully swim a 49-second 100 free,” said Wenhold. In the future, Wenhold would like to go to a Division I  school to continue her swimming career.