Junior Keenan Geyer is on the varsity swim team at La Salle. Since eighth grade, Geyer has been competing in clubs and joined the La Salle swim program in his freshman year of high school.
Geyer most enjoys the group relays because it allows him time to work with his teammates. He appreciates the opportunities for teamwork, and getting to know his peers in the process. His favorite event is the 100-yard butterfly race, whereas he least enjoys the breaststroke technique.
Geyer’s ultimate inspiration is American Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and 21-time world championship gold medal winner — the most in history for a female swimmer.
“I just find that level of commitment impressive,” he said.
Although he has been competing for four years, swim lessons for Geyer started as early as five years old. His motivation to join a club team stemmed from watching the club swimmers practice in the lane beside him.
Geyer marks his most memorable moment as being with his friends when his team won state last season in the 200-medley relay race — a goal he’s proud of achieving, recognizing the hard work he and his teammates put into accomplishing it.
“I was a little unsure if we were going to make it,” he said. “It was a big triumph for all of us when we made it together.”
Geyer’s biggest athletic ambition is staying in shape and keeping up with his teammates.
“They all are improving,” he said. “I want to improve with them.”
He describes the environment on the team as positive and encouraging. He appreciates the team camaraderie, as it’s helped build up his confidence both personally and in the water.
“Everyone cheers for each other,” he said. “It’s really great.”
Geyer swims with the school on Mondays through Thursdays during a regular week, balancing his spare time with his club swimming schedule. Luckily for Geyer, his swim coaches at La Salle are very supportive of his busy schedule, so they are understanding and flexible to changes in his availability.
Although Geyer enjoys competing, after high school, he doesn’t plan to continue competitive swimming, and instead hopes to keep the sport in his life to stay active and unwind.
“The competition is fun, but I just like the sport itself more,” he said.
During his limited free time, Geyer enjoys going to Barnes and Noble at the mall with his friends, playing video games, and reading.
Geyer’s favorite class from his time at La Salle so far was Physics M in his freshman year, taught by science teacher Mr. Kyle Voge. He loved learning about electricity and the fun activities they participated in.
Geyer describes himself as flexible, motivated, and easygoing.
“I like going with the flow, but I also have goals that I want to achieve,” he said.
For academics, he tends to enjoy math courses the most, as he loves solving problems and the satisfaction that comes from getting an answer right.
After high school, Geyer hopes to become an aerospace engineer.
Currently, Geyer’s goals are finishing finals, getting good grades, and continuing to grow alongside his teammates.
