The water beats off her skin as she races through the cold water.
Long 30-hour school weeks, clubs, and activities.
Isabella Wilkinson always seemed to find herself in the pool.
“I always liked the water,” said Wilkinson.
The senior wasn’t always a swimmer though, she played for the Orange Crush Soccer team before trying swimming for the first time.
The Klinedinsts, family friends, were the first to introduce Dallastown swimming to her and her mom.
“I played soccer with Marley and Piper, and their mom told my mom about the swim team. She thought it would be a great fit for me,” said Wilkinson.
Little did Wilkinson know her first practice at 7 years old at Dallastown would be the start of her forever sport.
COVID hit when Wilkinson was 12, and it led her to switch to the York YMCA Club team.
“Dallastown didn’t have practices or meets, so I joined the York YMCA so I didn’t lose any progress during quarantine, ” said Wilkinson.
The York YMCA taught her how to train outside her comfort zone, and that only she can control how every day’s practice will go.
Wilkinson later returned to Dallastown to compete as a varsity swimmer from freshman to senior year, while still continuing at the York YMCA.
During the winter season, there are meets on most weeks and weekends for both teams.
“It can get difficult finding the right balance because I want to be there for both teams,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson’s journey didn’t come without sacrifices and dedication.
Waking up for early 6 a.m. practices or missing school events for important meets is just part of her dedication. High school Districts always fall on the same weekend as the Mini-Thon, so she and her teammates never get to go.
“The one thing I was looking forward to coming to the high school was Mini-Thon, and knowing I could never go was hard to accept,” said Wilkinson.
All the sacrifices and dedication ultimately led Wilkinson to her childhood dream college, The University of Maine.
“I am so excited to be a Black Bear in the fall of 2025,” said Wilkinson.
But, she won’t be attending Maine alone, she has her hometown teammate, Lydia Williams right by her side.
“I’m excited to know someone since I am going so far away,” Williams said.
Wilkinson visited numerous schools and talked to many coaches during the recruiting process.
Her biggest challenge was making the right decision. But, she is excited to pursue her academic and athletic career in Maine.
Wilkinson isn’t just a swimmer, she is a part of numerous clubs and activities at DAHS.
She is the president of the Fashion Club, Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Beacon, a member of Future Business Leaders of America, and the National Honors Society of High School Scholars, among many more.
Wilkinson’s future goals go beyond the pool, including majoring in marketing and achieving her Master’s in Business Administration.
But ultimately she wants to make an impact on the swim team at Maine.
“I would love to place in the conference meet,” said Wilkinson.
