Q&A with Chase Mueller: Columbine鈥檚 state winning swimmer & NC State commit
LITTLETON, Colo. — Chase Mueller just finished his junior year at Columbine High School and is on the Varsity Swim Team. We were privileged to interview him and get to know more about him and the accomplished swim team at Columbine.
Tell me a little about yourself and your interests.
Chase Mueller: I鈥檝e been swimming since I was five years old. I tried a lot of different sports but I was always better at swimming, and it was a lot more fun. I have an older brother who always swam with me, has some records for Columbine, and is now swimming for Loyola University in Maryland. Since I swim about 20 hours a week, I don鈥檛 have a lot of time to do much else. But education is really important to me. I already know I want to go into engineering and have always had an interest in math – so I鈥檝e already committed to going to North Carolina State University in 2023. I also love the outdoors and will go outside whenever I get a chance to step away from the pool.
What are some highlights from your swim season?聽
Mueller: Winning state last year as a sophomore in the 100 back, and teaming up with my brother for the state winning 400 free relay, where we set an all-time state record. I鈥檝e had a busy year. I participated in the Speedo Junior National Championships in December – where the highlights were finishing 4th in the 100 back and 200 free and winning the bronze medal for the 200 back. I swam at Speedo Sectionals, and I am ready to focus on the upcoming season competing for Columbine.
What do you like best about your team?
Mueller: The pandemic prevented me from having my freshman season with Columbine, and the state meet last year was one of the first meets where spectators could go. I had no idea how exciting high school swimming could be. I really like the friendships I’ve made with my teammates and how affable everyone is. The team is super laid back and Coach Kristi always manages to make practice and meets fun. At every swim meet and practice, everyone is always trying to talk and have fun. The team is always filled with positivity and trying to make the best of our season.
What leadership do you provide for the other swimmers?聽
Mueller: I mainly lead by example with my hard work, and I love showing the other swimmers how in-depth and fun swimming can be. Swimming is so much more complex and fun than people make it out to be. I鈥檓 always willing to help anyone improve their stroke or technique in the pool while also showing them how to have a good time.
What are some of the life lessons you’ve learned from swimming or sports in general?
Mueller: Hard work and dedication pay off. Just because you are making small improvements, does not mean you will have instant results. But if you show up and try your hardest every day you will eventually reap the rewards. I’ve also learned that you have to take the bad with the good. One bad race doesn鈥檛 define who you are, you can鈥檛 let your bad moments overshadow your good ones. Letting your bad moments define you will lead you down a spiral of unhappiness, so be content with the past.
What piece of advice would you give to new members of the team?
Mueller: Be a rebel and never give up. There is always room for improvement so if you show up and try your hardest, you give yourself a chance to constantly improve. Also, make fun out of every moment you have on the team because high school goes by fast and you might as well enjoy it as much as possible.
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