Diving into Excellence: Lia Ochs Shines in Hazleton Area Swimming

Hazleton Area’s freshman Lia Ochs has maintained an impressive commencement to her high school swimming journey with commanding performances in the Lady Cougars’ victories against Nanticoke and Reading. She secured first place in both the 200 yard freestyle and 100 backstroke and was the anchor of the triumphing 400 freestyle relay team against the Trojans, later earning top accolades in both the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke against the Red Knights. Additionally, she swam the third leg on the winning 200 medley relay team.

Athlete of the Week: Lia OchsSchool: Hazleton AreaClass: FreshmanAge: 15Hometown: ConynghamFamily: Father, Douglas; mother, Paula; brothers, Andrew, 34, Gregory, 31, Jeffrey, 29Sport: SwimmingOther sports you play or have played or activities you have been involved in:  Dance with Ann Marie School of Dance, track and fieldFavorite team:  USA swim teamFavorite athlete: Gretchen WalshFavorite school subject: BiologyFavorite food:  ChickenFavorite hobby: Spending time with my dogsFavorite TV show: “Outer Banks”Best advice you ever received: “You need to attend practice to enhance your skills.”Future plans: To set new school swim records, continue swimming in college, and become a veterinarian.

How surprised are you at the level of success you’ve enjoyed as a freshman?I am thrilled by the level of achievement that I have experienced. Nevertheless, I have much more to work on and intend to get even better throughout the season.

What was it like fitting in with the older swimmers?It was quite simple, as everyone on the team was very cordial and inviting. Furthermore, I had previously swum with many of the athletes on earlier teams, like the Hazleton YMCA. Swimmers share a robust connection and relate to one another through the significant time we spend in the water together.

What are the biggest adjustments you’ve had to make to swim competitively at the high school level?

The most significant change has been the six-day-a-week practices. I was accustomed to club swimming, where I participated three to four times a week.

What was your offseason training like to get ready for this season?

I swam throughout the offseason in Allentown with PAAC (the Parkland Area Aquatics Club), a USA swim club, practicing three to four times a week. I also trained with a coach at the LVHN Wellness Center to enhance my strength outside the pool.

Tell us about your background as a swimmer.

I have engaged in competitive swimming with the Hazleton YMCA Barracudas team (thanks to Rob Gould) since I was 5 years old, later joining the Freeland Marlins until 2022. At age 8, I began swimming unattached with USA swim and subsequently joined the USA swim club PAAC.

You’re getting the chance to compete in different strokes. Do you have a favorite and why?Yes, my preferred strokes are backstroke, freestyle, and butterfly. I find these to be my fastest strokes and I can effectively manage my “underwaters.”

The team aspect of high school swimming is often overlooked. Is that something that requires time to adapt to?No, because there remains a focus on my personal best times and finishes, which contribute to accumulating points vital for the team’s overall outcome.

Where do you have to improve the most as a swimmer?

For me, swimming is a combination of physical and mental aspects. I need to keep practicing diligently, both in and out of the water, for the physical element. Yet, I also need to enhance my mental focus to boost my adrenaline, which plays an intricate role in a competitive swimmer’s performance.

What are your goals for the rest of this season and throughout your high school swimming career?

To practice rigorously, maintain my academic performance, work on improving my personal best times, assist the team in achieving a winning season, qualify for districts and states, and possibly even set some records.

What will we write about Lia Ochs at the end of this season?

District champion! Achieved a strong finish at states and set a school record.