Record-Breaking Splash: Senior Swim Captain Makes Waves in High School History

A swimmer from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School is making an impact and shattering records for the Island’s high school swimming team. 

Senior swim captain Kaua De Assis set a new record for the high school’s 50-yard freestyle during a home competition against Barnstable, St. John Paul, and Cape Cod Academy on December 19. 

De Assis completed the 50-yard freestyle event in 23.16 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 23.46 set two seasons earlier by Christian Flanders. De Assis’ remarkable time also secured him a spot at the Massachusetts state championship meet in the postseason. 

“I feel fulfilled and proud. I began swimming only four years ago, and I was always motivated by the idea of matching the abilities of the older swimmers. Now that I’m here, it feels gratifying to be where I aimed to be,” remarked De Assis. 

Although he finished second in the event to a formidable swimmer from Barnstable at the December meet, Vineyard swim team head coach Jennifer Passafiume noted that having a skilled competitor ahead of Kaua likely drove him to break the record. 

“When I stepped on the block, I felt really anxious,” De Assis shared regarding his experience before the record-setting race. “I always get nervous on the block, but I have this routine where I stretch, place one leg on the block, say a quick prayer, and once I dive in and hit the water, everything else fades away. There are no distractions; it’s just me and the water.” 

De Assis’s journey in competitive swimming began just four years ago during his freshman year. Despite being new to the sport, he found himself participating in the postseason as a replacement in a state competition. By his sophomore season, he qualified for states in a relay event. 

“He is very receptive to coaching,” stated Passafiume. “He puts in a lot of effort and swims independently if he cannot attend practice. He is always extremely committed and a positive role model — a genuinely uplifting presence in the community.” 

Kaua mentioned that he discovered his love for swimming while spending time at the YMCA’s pool, where he currently teaches swimming. 

“I entered the lap lane to swim a lap, and a friend told me, ‘Wow, you are quite good at this.’ I tried it out, and I just loved it—it clicked for me,” De Assis said. “This has become my primary sport now.” 

Looking ahead, De Assis aims to surpass his own record, striving for a sub-23-second finish. He also aspires to achieve a strong performance in the 100-yard freestyle and excel in the state competitions.

He also acknowledges his teammates for their encouragement.

“The entire team has been motivating,” De Assis stated. “When I started, I only knew last year’s captain. After a few weeks, it felt like we became a family, and we truly are one. We support each other and cheer one another on from the sidelines during the races.” 

De Assis mentioned that he is applying to colleges and would genuinely love to continue swimming at Bridgewater State University. 

For now, he takes great pride in representing his roots.

“I’m Brazilian, and I’m part of the Brazilian community here on the Island, and I’m thrilled to represent the Brazilian community as a high school swimmer.”