VYPE: Jemerie, what grade are you in and when did you start competing in swim?
Jemerie Brister: I am currently a junior, and I started competing when I was around 4 or 5 years old.
VYPE: What events are you swimming for Norman North HS?
JB: My main individual events are the 100-yard Butterfly and the 100-yard Backstroke, with the occasional 200-yard Individual Medley.
VYPE: What have you improved on the most for this season?
JB: I’ve really focused on my technique this season, mainly my starts and turns to help shave off those important milliseconds.
VYPE: What makes NNHS a great place for you as a student-athlete?
JB: NNHS is a great place for me as a student-athlete because the teachers are really understanding with everyone including the athletes and try to help as much as they can when you miss a school day for a meet or a tournament.
VYPE: Have you been impressed with a teammate this season or have a former teammate who left an impression on you?
JB: This season I have been impressed with a handful of my teammates. Their decisions to be dedicated have left a lasting impression on me. They are showing up on time, they always give 110% in practice, and push the team to be better.
VYPE: Which teammate keeps everyone laughing, who is the most serious?
JB: I think that my dear friend Maggie Koch keeps everyone laughing, she’s super sweet and has an amazing personality that just makes everyone want to be around her. She always has a smile on her face even if the sets are hard. My other dear friend Victoria Sun is the most serious when it comes to racing, at practice her serious side falls a tad bit and we get to crack jokes and enjoy our time together in the lanes.
VYPE: How do you mentally prepare yourself for competition?
JB: I mentally prepare myself for my races but visualizing how I want my race to go, the fast turns and hard underwater, all while listening to music and tuning everyone around me out.
VYPE: What do you love most about your teammates?
JB: What I love most about my teammates is their support and camaraderie. We push each other to be better, and it’s a great to have that sense of teamwork. On the plus side, we have a lot of fun together which makes the hard work feel worth it.
VYPE: What’s the goal for life after high school?
JB: After I finish high school and graduate, the plan is that I want to attend a college that will further my education and swimming career. As of right now I’m thinking of studying to become a dermatologist at the moment but who knows, it might change in a year or so.
Bonus Question!
VYPE: Do you have a favorite meet to attend or a favorite pool?
JB: Yes, I do in fact have both! My favorite meet that I love attending is the MAC holiday invitational in Texas, and believe it or not but my favorite pool to swim at is the University of Austin Texas competition pool.
