Glendale High School junior Asdghik Avedian was born in Baldwin Park, California, and she is the co-captain of the GHS girls swim team. In her free time, she enjoys swimming (obviously) and crocheting, and she is currently learning how to sew. Apart from arts and crafts, she applies her creativity in cooking, like creating delicious curries.

Asdghik has been swimming competitively for more than four years. Before joining the GHS swim team during her freshman year, she swam at the YMCA of Glendale for a year. During her time at the YMCA, she learned about different strokes and worked on her swimming technique. 

It was not until her freshman year that Asdghik developed a stronger stroke, as she has mastered her skills. She is fastest in the freestyle stroke, and she encourages her fellow teammates to reach their full potential. 

Ever since Asdghik was a child, she has always been surrounded by water, both in the pool and in the ocean. Her parents influenced her to continue their swimming legacy, as they were also once a part of a swim team themselves.

Asdghik’s love for swimming has always been a part of her life. Through her time at the YMCA, up to being the captain of the swim team, she has developed a sense of tranquility between herself and the water. There is a connection that calms her whenever she performs her strokes over and over again. She essentially stated how swimming “takes your mind off other things.” 

Being a captain has made Asdghik an inspiration to other swimmers, and they can tell how passionate she is about improving. Her kindness and patience allow her to fully enjoy the sport, and as a captain, Asdghik is most proud of the enjoyment and spirit expressed by her teammates. She sees this especially during swim meets, as they are the most fun and hyped events for the team.

Swimming is not only about endurance and technique, but it is also about how you can strengthen your mentality. Asgdhik is a great collaborator and focuses on strengthening her team through discipline. It is not easy to get back on track when a team member misses a day of practice, but with a supportive captain like Asdghik, the team becomes stronger. Her coaches have done a great job in shaping and encouraging the swim team as well. 

Swimming, in general, helps your mindset become stronger. Asdghik ultimately feels that “getting a bad time doesn’t define who you are.”

After high school, Asdghik wants to pursue a career in the medical field. She does not see herself swimming in a pool very often in the future, but she will enjoy most of her swimming time in the ocean. 

If you are interested in being a part of the GHS swim team, please contact Coach Vardanian at [email protected]. Keep your head above water, Nitros!