Junior Kaycie Farmer is what you might call a “walk-on” for the four-time state champion Fort Gibson girl’s swim team. In a program that generally develops swimmers through an outstanding youth program, Farmer has been an exception.

“I played basketball through the ninth grade and decided it just wasn’t for me. I needed something to do, so me and a friend decided to join the swim team. I knew nothing about the sport and had never swum competitively so I didn’t really know what to expect, but it’s been a good experience and I love the sport,” said Farmer who carries a 4.0 GPA while taking AP classes, is in National Honor Society and enjoys working as a stage manager in Fort Gibson’s stage productions.

Even though her swimming skills are still a work in progress, coach Leslie White says Kaycie means a lot to the team in other aspects.

“She is the biggest cheerleader for her teammates and always has a positive attitude. She’s also a great student and friend and is the first to offer a ride home or help with studies. She’s an all-around amazing student, swimmer, person and role model for our team,” said White

Kaycie swims on the 200-and 400-meter relay teams, the 100-meter backstroke, 100 freestyle and recently the 100-meter butterfly.

“Kaycie is always eager to learn and improve and after every race she seeks feedback on how she did and what she can do to improve,” said White.

In only her second year of competitive swimming, Farmer’s goals are simple yet ambitious.

“I’d like to medal in either a relay or individual event at state this year and focus on improving my technique. I’m a little shy so I’d also like to become a little more outgoing and work on becoming a team leader,” said the Lady Tiger swimmer.

Maybe the biggest satisfaction she gets in swimming isn’t on the swim team.

“I’m a coach in the Tiger Shark program which is the youth swimming program here. I really love to watch the little ones grow in the sport.”