High school swimming: Wadsworth sprinter Hailey Otradovec stays motivated

Wadsworth senior swimmer Hailey Otradovec never has to look far for motivation. That drive is easy because the Grizzlies' star sprinter doesn't rely on the performance of others to spur her growth. Her previous self is a far greater opponent. "My competitiveness with myself has always driven me," she said. "I believe it's as important to be as competitive with yourself as it is with others. That's something that has kept pushing me along the way." The one-time All-Gazette and one-time honorable mention swimmer who has starred for four years has cultivated a work ethic that has seen her rise through the ranks. Each accomplishment has given Otradovec the self-assuredness necessary to overcome the next barrier. "She has grown immensely in confidence in herself and her training," coach Autumn Reeves said. "Over the past four years she has grown in the belief that she has the right to be there because she's worked hard to be there. "That goes a long way in the mental aspects of swimming." Otradovec has already racked up some impressive accolades this season, finishing fourth in the 50-yard freestyle (24.71) at the Canton Christmas Invitational and 10th in 24.82 at the Northeast Classic, which attracted some of the best swimmers in the state. She was also the runner-up at the Suburban League National Conference Meet in the 50 free (24.71) and 100 free (54.58). Her next goal is to make sure Wadsworth is represented at the Division I state meet at C.T. Branin Natatorium. The Grizzlies didn't qualify anyone last season and haven't sent a relay since 2022, when Otradovec was in the eighth grade. Otradovec was a four-event district qualifier last season, taking fifth in the 50 free (24.55), sixth in the 200 medley relay (1:53.95), seventh in the 100 free (54.48) and eighth in the 200 free relay (1:42.01). "With it being my senior season, I've been embracing having fun and enjoying my last few moments with the team," Otradovec said. "The team as a whole, I want to see us get a lot of boys and girls swimming at the district meet. "I'd also like to see us get a number of swimmers to the state meet. That would be really nice, and I know coach Reeves would be proud of that." In order to accomplish that goal, Otradovec, who came up through the Wadsworth YMCA Waves swim team after getting her competitive start with the Firestone Swim Club in elementary school, is looking to make sure she peaks at the right time. "I've been swimming pretty consistently," Otradovec said. "I haven't seen a huge P.R. yet, but I'm hoping by the end of this season I'll experience a nice jump in my times." Before the Otradovec and the Grizzlies get to the postseason, they have to battle through the toughest stretch of the regular season where sets in the pool are designed to get swimmers ready for the most important meets. Having teammates to work for keeps Otradovec motivated during those difficult workouts. "Swimming is one of the hardest sports out there," Otradovec said. "We're constantly with each other, practicing twice a day. Keeping that family environment is what keeps us coming back to practice every day. "During these winter months, when it's cold and snowy, it's pretty hard to get up and jump into a freezing cold pool. Knowing that we're surrounded by great teammates that want to push us to be our best is what makes swimming is what makes the best sport, especially for me." Having a leader like Otradovec who has a true compassion for her teammates and wants to see them succeed, is an asset. She also keeps the team engaged in a number of other areas. "She brings dedication and commitment to the team," Reeves said. "She works hard when she's there in and out of the pool. She's always been one to be involved in lots of different things. "She encourages her teammates to be involved in as much as you can and what's available." Along with her success in the pool, Otradovec is a standout on Wadsworth's track and field team as a two-time All-Gazette choice who qualified for the state meet last season in the 400-meter dash, 4x200 relay and 4x4, winning the 400 and 4x2 at the Port Clinton Regional. She is signed to run track at Ashland. In the pool, Otradovec shines as a sprinter in the 50, her favorite event, and 100 free but has helped the Grizzlies in the 500, 100 butterfly, 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley. "Hailey is very strong," Reeves said. "Being a sprinter, she knows what it takes to get that job done. "She's also very versatile. She's swam a lot of different events this year and come out of her shell, which has been nice. It's been fun to watch her swim everything this year." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.