Senior captain Anna Kuhel finished this season with All-Ohio recognition in the 200-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle events.
For the OHSAA state championship, Kuhel finished 12th in the 500-yard freestyle and 15th in the 200-yard individual medley.
This season’s performance comes after a strong showing in her last two seasons. “My sophomore year, I was part of the 200 medley relay that broke a 28-year-old record,” Kuhel said. “As a junior, I finished 7th in the state in the 500 freestyle. Both of those were exciting.”
This season, Kuhel finished first in her two individual events and first in the 400-yard freestyle team event in the Greater Cleveland Conference championships Jan. 2-4.
“It is a competitive conference, and we’re glad to be in a competitive conference,” Kuhel said. “I like it when there is competition. That’s how you get better as an athlete and as a team.”
She credits her success to consistent offseason training, especially after a shoulder injury. “I had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum in May and was unable to fully swim until October,” she said. “During that time I put in a lot of work at PT [physical therapy] and did a lot of cross training to stay in shape.”
Working to return to the team has encouraged her teammates. “I think, as a senior, Anna has helped the team grow by showing the underclassmen and other athletes what is possible when you commit to something,” senior swimmer Annabelle Malone said.
Her leadership has also been noticed by head coach Eric Peterson. “Anna provides guidance to our younger swimmers through her actions but also through individual conversations,” Peterson said. “She openly shares her struggles and successes with others.”
Kuhel announced her commitment to Denison University on Instagram Nov. 24. The Denison swimming team is fourth in current Division III national rankings.
Said Kuhel, “Denison has a history of being a top Division III swim program, and they have a great team dynamic. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
A version of this article appears in print on page 7 of Volume 95, Issue 4, published March 21, 2025.
