Record-breaking swims

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake senior Issabelle Parrish is leaving an impact in her final season in the pool for the Mavericks.

Parrish has already knocked off several school records in short-distance swims, and now aims to keep the momentum going as many members of the Maverick girls swim and dive team head to state this week.

“I had a pretty good junior year, so I was excited to see what I could do this year and see what our team as a whole could do — especially our relay, and see where we’re at with the rest of the state,” Parrish said. 

As she glanced at the record board inside the Tony St. Onge Pool of Dreams, Parrish recalled which records she had taken down over the previous two months: the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle — both of which she previously owned — the 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard butterfly. To begin the season, Parrish recorded three state-qualifying times in Moses Lake’s season-opener against Eastmont.

“It did set the tone (for her season), it gave her the belief that she could do what she needed to do,” Moses Lake Coach Jason Hart said. “When she went and got those last two school records at (the league championship meet), those were events that she didn’t have, was not that close in and she went up there and decided ‘I’m going to get it done.’ It was awesome to see.”

The record-setting performances have spread among the team, as junior Kathryn DuVall also set a new Moses Lake record in the 100-yard backstroke.

“It’s sort of contagious,” Hart said. “We’re coming up on state where, hopefully, the real magic happens. That’s the goal, and they’re looking good for it.”

With previous program-bests flying off the board this season, Parrish noted the support around her; ranging from her parents to her fellow swimmers in the pool.

“It feels really good because I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get those records this year, and just being able to see that time and seeing my parents and everybody surrounding me and so excited for me, it’s just a really great feeling that everybody is there supporting me,” Parrish said. “Cheering me on to do the best I can — it’s just a really amazing feeling.”

Having qualified for state in both 2021 and 2022, Parrish said she’s looking forward to taking a step back and taking in the moment while competing at the King County Aquatic Center this week. 

“I think every one of those was a learning experience,” she said. “Even though I didn’t have the greatest state last year, I came into this year really just wanting to enjoy the experience, not as much hammering over every time, psyching myself out.”

At state, Parrish will swim in the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle events, as well as be part of Moses Lake’s 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relays.

“I’m really excited for this year,” Parrish said. “I feel like I have a good chance of winning both my events, and we also have a chance of winning our relays. I’m excited for the energy state’s going to bring, the energy’s like no other meet.”

Parrish began swimming competitively when she was in the sixth grade, but said she didn’t begin to get heavily invested until she was in the eighth grade. She said her interest in swimming stemmed from her older sister Makhaela Parrish having swum when she was younger; Makhaela swam for Moses Lake before graduating last year.

“I didn’t really love it at first, but then over the years and the coaches I’ve had, the friends I’ve made, I really have started to enjoy it,” Parrish said. “It’s been an amazing sport and amazing experience.”

As her time in swim grew longer, Parrish said she started to notice she was keeping close with some of the other swimmers who started years before. Soon enough she was keeping a steady pace with them, and later passing them in races. Now at high school meets, Parrish said, she keeps an eye on the competition before jumping into the pool for a race.

“I’m just thinking about who I’m racing and what I have to do to beat them,” Parrish said. “I’m just trying to prepare myself as much as possible; warming up my muscles, making sure my pre-race ritual is right before my meet.”

The years of hard work and dedication have paid off for Parrish, who signed with Washington State University on Wednesday to continue her swim career. Cougar athletics runs in her family, she said.

“My dad went there and played baseball and a few of my aunts did track there,” Parrish said. “I love their head coach, Matt Leach, and their entire program in general feels like one big family.”

Moses Lake begins its quest for another high finish at state with the preliminary rounds on Friday afternoon at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. 4A swims begin at 1:30 p.m.

“She’s putting us in a spot where we can go and contend for another trophy at state, and I’m thankful for every swimmer we have out here to make it possible as well,” Hart said. “Issabelle’s going to go, and she’s on a mission; she’s going to compete to win at state, and I’m excited to see her give it a shot.”

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

Mavs on to state

200-yard medley relay — junior Kathryn DuVall , sophomore Bria Bodenman, senior Keera Michie and junior Adelaide Jensen.

200-yard freestyle — senior Issabelle Parrish.

200-yard individual medley — junior Alli Hines.

50-yard freestyle — junior Kathryn DuVall.

100-yard butterfly — senior Keera Michie.

100-yard freestyle — senior Issabelle Parrish; junior Julia Heaps.

    Issabelle Parish, seated, signs a letter of intent to swim for Washington State University Wednesday afternoon in the company of her mom Cody Parrish, left, and dad Wade Parrish, right.