Athlete of the Month: Jordan Ames

Our January Athlete of the Month is Jordan Ames, a seasoned swimmer for Spain Park High School. Ames, 17, swims the 200- and 500-yard freestyle races and the 100-yard breaststroke. She has also been a member of the 400-yard free relay team. Ames has been on the varsity swim team since seventh grade and has been a valuable member by scoring points in the state swim meet each year. She has held the Spain Park team record in the 500-yard freestyle and currently holds the 100-yard breast and 400-yard free relay record.

Ames’ coaches say she is not only a hard worker in the pool, but she is also an excellent student. She gives 100 percent effort in whatever she does. She has great character and her peers respect her, and on the team she is a leader by example.

How long have you been involved in swimming?

I have been involved with year round swimming since I was twelve years old.

What is the best thing about being part of Spain Park’s teams?

Spain Park has a diverse team of swimmers anywhere from southeastern qualifiers to national qualifiers. I feel privileged to swim with a team of such talented athletes.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Missy Franklin (an American swimmer and Olympic Gold Medalist) is one of my biggest inspirations because she is proof that hard work can lead to accomplishing your goals and dreams.

What other activities are you involved in at Spain Park?

I am also involved in Peer Helping, Latin Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society).

What cause are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the prevention and treatment of childhood diseases. For example, I am inspired by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

What are your future college/career aspirations?

I plan to go to medical school and hopefully become a physician.

Tell us about your family. Do you have siblings involved with sports?

I am an only child, but my father played high school baseball and my mother did track and field.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I’m not in the pool, I like to play piano, hang out with friends and bake.