ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: CORAL SHORES SWIMMER ABBIE SARGENT

a group of people standing around a swimming pool
Abbie Sargent stands on the blocks as she prepares for an early-season relay against Braddock High School. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Abbie Sargent
Junior, Coral Shores
Swimming

“Abbie is one of the most determined athletes on and off the pool deck. She practices twice a day and is always looking for ways to improve.” – Coral Shores coach Kelly Kater.

Lately, everything Abbie Sargent touches turns to silver or gold. The hard-working swimmer has dedicated herself to her sport and team and the work has paid off; Sargent won the district championship in the 200 IM and brought home a second gold in the 200 free relay. She went on to earn a pair of silver medals as well, in the 100 breaststroke individual race and the 200 medley relay, and qualified for the next round of competition at regionals in all four events. The relentless junior is not finished competing yet.

“Even with her dominant swims at districts this past Thursday, she is determined to drop time and prove herself even further in our region and at the state level,” head coach Kelly Kater said. For her dedication, effort and continued pursuit of excellence in her sport, Abbie Sargent is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

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Tracy McDonald
Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.