Zachary Diener

When did you join the FISH, and what has been your most memorable experience while being on the team?

I joined Fish when I was six years old as a mini.  My favorite times on Fish were the numerous hours I spent hanging out with Kevin Benecki for years at lots of different meets, practices and activities.

What was your most rewarding and exciting meet during your FISH career?

My most rewarding meet was Districts of my Junior year.  We had a new coach and were expected to win Districts, so the coach wanted all of us to shave our heads and the rest of our bodies and purchase or borrow Fast Skins to wear.  I was one of four boys swimming the 100 fly.  The other three guys did everything the coach wanted and none of them ended up with best times in Districts.  I didn't shave or get an expensive suit, but I mentally prepared myself for the meet and got my best time ever!

What is your favorite set?

My favorite sets are I.M. sets.

What are your favorite events? 

My favorite event is 200 fly, although I wishes,  it were the 400 fly event!

What is the biggest challenge for you in swimming? 

For the past two years, I have struggled with extreme muscle fatigue.  Almost every time I got in the water, I felt like I could not move my arms.  As a result, I have had to adjust the number of practices that I attend.  Also I can't sprint, which is not good for summer league.

What motivates you most?

I have always been self-motivated and always try my best, whether it is school work, swimming, or even just playing games with friends.

Which aspects of swimming do you apply in everyday life?

Swimming has helped me with time management.   Swimmers probably spend more time on their sport than any other athlete, so time management is very important. 

You are beginning a new chapter in your life, college. What are you most looking forward to? How has FISH prepared you?

Since UVA is so competitive to get into, I am hoping that my fellow students are as dedicated to their education as I am.  I am looking forward to high quality learning, interesting teachers and the opportunity to take classes in subjects that interest me.  Fish has helped me to deal with disappointments when things don't go the way I would like them to go and given me the opportunity to get along with people with a wide variety of personalities.

What advice can you give your teammates in your group and especially your younger teammates who are just starting out?

Enjoy your swimming career while it lasts -  eventually it will be over - whether before college, during college, or after college.  Don't let swimming define who you are as a person.  Being a faster swimmer does not make you a better person.  Enjoy those times when you are swimming well because there will also be times when you will struggle.  Enjoy the friendships that you make while swimming.  Many of my best friendships are with people I met through swimming.

Tell us a little bit about you; what do you like to do when you are not swimming or busy with schoolwork?

I like to read, play and watch baseball, and play Xbox.  I also work at my dad's accounting firm.