Junior varsity athlete, Kate Mattielo 26’ ended the season with a bang finishing at the top of multiple heats at cities. She left the meet with second place in the 200-meter freestyle, third place in the 500-meter freestyle, and fourth place in the 100-meter backstroke. 

Although her successes are overwhelmingly spectacular, the journey that led Mattielo to where she is now is where her feat is highlighted. 

“I’ve loved the water since I was really little and I used to do a bunch of sports but swimming always came the most naturally to me,” said Mattielo. “I’ve been a competitive swimmer since I was five years old at a small country club in the summer.”

Mattielo’s passion for the sport started early on and continues in her current practices and meets. 

“She is a very hard worker and you can see that by the way she practices. She always gives her 110%,” said Claudia Walvoord ‘25, Mattielo’s teammate.

Both in and out of the pool, Mattielo makes a strong impact on the team and their successes.

 “As the season progressed, I slowly began losing my motivation and eagerness to continue. But, Kate always was there to make practice fun and it inspired me to continue,” said Mia Denicolo ‘25, another teammate on Jones’ swim team.

Mattielo, although fighting through her own struggles, left a mark on her teammates that illustrates true leadership despite only being a sophomore. Under her sweet, caring, and funny personality, Mattielo lives with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome as well as an enzyme deficiency. 

“With my condition, my nerves get trapped in my muscles when I swim. So, unfortunately, in the middle of this season my shoulder injury came back,” said Mattielo, “There was definitely a rough patch that was really hard to push through, but I think I was able to come together and finish the season really well.” 

Despite her hidden pains, Mattielo keeps high spirits. Her teammates note how she is always able to make them feel better when they are down.

“I really enjoy the positive energy she brings to practice and even on bad days I know I can rely on Kate to make my day better and encourage me to give it my best,” said Walvoord.

The swim team knows that when they come to practice, Mattielo shows up ready to put a smile on their faces.

“Kate brought an energy to practices and meets that you couldn’t ignore. Not only does she encourage me and other teammates to try our hardest and power through, but Kate is also an amazing swimmer,” said Denicolo. 

Throughout the season, Mattielo grew close to the team and enjoyed her time building these relationships. 

“I love the Jones-Payton swim team. It is so much fun and our coaches are so supportive as well. We have fun together and we struggle together,” said Mattielo. 

Mattielo describes the importance of a support system. 

“Especially in an individual sport, like swimming, that can take a toll on you, support is so vital,” said Mattielo.

Despite the tremendous amount of hard work swimming requires, Mattielo continues to improve.

“Kate has definitely enhanced her skill throughout the season and compared to last year. A lot of this is shown through her work effort and the time she puts into it during practice,” said Walvoord.

Her effort has not gone unnoticed by those around her.

“It is clear that she is dedicated to this sport and she has truly put the time and effort into giving it her all,” said Denicolo. 

Overall, Mattielo has enjoyed the swim team experience the last two years.

“I think that Jones is a perfect fit for me. I love Jones not only because of the swim team but also the education and friends I have gained,” said Mattielo. 

Mattielo’s swimming career has only just begun. 

“I am proud to be a Jones Eagle and I can’t wait for the next two years,” said Mattielo.