East County Athlete of the Week: Zoe Gruber

The Out-of-Door Academy swimmer Zoe Gruber collected three gold medals and one silver at the FHSAA Class 1A District 8 meet to lead her team to a championship. Gruber — who also swims for the Sarasota Sharks — topped the field in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:07.66), 200-meter individual medley (2:08.53) and 200-meter medley relay (1:53.63) along with fellow junior Arabella Newport Derbyshire, freshman Helaina Gunn and freshman Georgia Henry. Those same four also finished second in the 400-meter freestyle relay (3:45.91). Gruber is the East County Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start swimming?

I started swimming when I was 6 because I (had) been doing lessons since I was 2. I guess that was just a sport I wanted to do.

On any given day, what do you enjoy most about getting in the pool?

Definitely my teammates. They make practice a lot more fun. I like talking to them every day.

What has been the highlight of your high school season so far?

So far, I guess just all the meets. The smaller meets are fun because you get to talk to the whole team. They're not very stressful.

What has been the most humbling moment of your swimming career?

A few weeks ago, I almost missed one of my events. I had to run over.

What were your goals entering your junior season with Out-of-Door Academy?

I definitely want to get top-eight at states in my events again, and I just really want to drop time.

Now that your high school team is in the postseason, what has been your recent focus in practice and with preparing for competition?

I just make sure to show up to every practice and try my best — even on days that I don't really want to — and work on the small details, too.

When you're not swimming, how do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend time with my friends and go to the mall and the beach.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would you meet and why?

LeBron James. He's a big inspiration for a lot of people, I know he's famous and I just think he's a cool guy.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Brazil. I've been to a lot of countries, but I haven't been there before. I feel like it seems very interesting.

If you could co-star in a movie with any actor, who would it be and why?

Probably Top Gun. I don't think (Tom Cruise) is my favorite actor, but that's my favorite movie. I want to go on one of the planes with them.

What's your favorite meal?

Pasta. Just any kind of pasta.

What's your go-to hype music at the pool?

I usually listen to Drake at meets.

Finish this sentence. Zoe Gruber is...

Funny.