Nominated captain of Woodland’s Girls Swim Team for the 2022 school year, Liana Demirs’ interest in the sport grew when she arrived at Long River Middle School in 6th grade. Right out the gate, she worked hard and developed great character.

Demirs has put in the work to improve her swim times. When she first started out as a 6th grader, she swam 50 meters in 40 seconds. She knew she could do better with more practice. She eventually crushed her previous record and swam the same 50 meters last season in 28 seconds. Demirs’s hard work paid off, but she believes that there is always room to improve.

During the offseason, she swims with the Naugatuck swim team three times a week to keep her ready for the next Woodland season to start. Because of her dedication to the sport, her coach, Mike Magas, gave her the nickname “FILO.” This stands for “first one in, last one out.” Demirs is also a very flexible swimmer for the Woodland Girls Swim Team. She will swim both sprint, butterfly, and distance; wherever her coach needs her, she will be there. Demirs is always willing to do what is best for the team to succeed.

Last season, she won the “Unsung Hero” award which gave recognition to the determination Demirs has shown over her many years as a swimmer.

“I always believe that every single time you get in the pool for practice, you work the same as if you were to go to a meet,” Demirs stated.

After many years of hard work, she found herself going to states last year with the Woodland swim team, finishing third. Her greatest accomplishment was her personal record time in the 200 meter freestyle race.

Demirs continues to improve and work hard every day. Her favorite part of swimming used to be the swim meets, but this quickly shifted to team bonding. The team has developed unbreakable bonds and grew close as a family. She encourages her teammates to set goals and develop good character. As a captain of the Girl’s Swim Team, she hopes to lead her team towards first place in states this year.

“The biggest thing for me is hard work; it shows good character and dedication.”

Photo provided by Coach Mike Magas.