Rica Generoso: Sensational Swimmer
Alexandra Blitzer '18, Editor At-Large
Rica Generoso ’16, water polo captain and two-year swim captain, is racing towards the final finish line: the last swim season of her Hopkins career.
An avid Hopkins swimmer since eighth grade, Generoso started swimming at age six; by the time she was nine, she had joined a competitive team. Currently, she also swims on the Hopkins Mariners, a club team that practices at Hopkins. Coach Chuck Elrick said, “Rica’s energy at practice is contagious. She enjoys being in the water. At meets Rica will swim any event the team needs her to do, regardless of the stroke. This sets a great example for the younger members on the team.”
Teammate Sophia Vranos ’18 said, “Rica is always smiling on deck and her enthusiasm is really admirable. She helps the team focus and get through every practice, especially during the more difficult sets.”
Generoso, a formidable swimmer, was considered for All-America last year for the 200 and 400 free relays with fellow swimmers Erin Earley ’17, Gwyneth Maloy ’17, and Mollie Seidner ’16. This group of swimmers also set the Exeter pool record last year at New Englands in the 400 free relay. Generoso holds the Hopkins records in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay. She has earned Connecticut Scholar-Athlete honors twice and has been recognized as Top 16 in Connecticut every year since fifth grade.
Swimming, a sport that is both physically and mentally taxing, often pushes athletes to their limits. Generoso said: “One thing I’ve learned from swimming is time management. Also, swimming takes a lot of self motivation, and I’ve learned that the more you push yourself, the better you’re going to get.”
Teammate Chloe Glass ’17 said, “Rica never backs down from tough competition and she inspires other swimmers to push themselves. She’s both a great swimmer, and a great leader.” Team dinners, the New England tournament and home meets are among Generoso’s favorite parts of the winter season. She said, “When we’re eating together [at team dinners], when we’re playing games together it’s great bonding time for the entire team. And there’s always a great vibe when we have home meets.”
Generoso has committed to Tufts for swimming and will also “probably play some water polo there.”
Liz Loffredo ’16 said, “Rica is a phenomenal swimmer and a great captain. She leads by example, always practicing and racing at her best. She’s always positive and does a great job of getting the team hyped before a meet. I couldn’t ask for a better co-captain.”
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