East County Athlete of the Week: Izzy DiPasquale

Izzy DiPasquale's latest results in the pool have surprised even herself. The 12-year-old earned a trio of top-two finishes at the Florida Summer Age Group Championships, held from July 9-12 at Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training in Ocala. Competing for Sarasota Tsunami in the girls' 11-12 division, she won the 200-yard butterfly (2:37.26) and claimed silver in both the 50-yard breaststroke (37.77) and 100-yard breaststroke (1:23.34). DiPasquale, who's entering seventh grade at R. Dan Nolan Middle School, is the East County Athlete of the Week.

How would you evaluate your Florida Summer Age Group Championships performance?

I was surprised on how it went. I went in there expecting to maybe do (well) and maybe get a medal or two, but I ended up doing way better and dropping a bunch of time.

What goals did you have entering the meet?

I wanted to podium — top three — on at least two events, which I ended up doing in three.

When and why did you start swimming?

I first started swimming three years ago, because my sister (Ava DiPasquale) had originally started five years ago, and I was doing hockey before that. I was watching her get all of her medals and ribbons, and I was like, "I want to do that." She would train me in our pool and then I was like, "I want to swim."

Has there been a sister swimming rivalry between you two?

Obviously, she's faster than me, because she's older. But sometimes she'll joke with me about it.

How have you improved as a swimmer this year?

I ended up being way better and way faster than I was. I had goal times which I've already met, and I thought I was going to meet them later on.

What has motivated you to stick with this sport?

My friends and my coaches. Also, the swimming area — everybody's super nice and it's fun.

Which quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

One of our old coaches, Courtney (Daly). She's not here anymore (Daly died Aug. 30, 2025). She used to always tell us, "Pain is weakness leaving the body." Whenever I'm really tired, I'll just think about that.

How do you spend your time outside of swimming?

I like to play with my dog (Ollie) a lot, and I hang out with my friends every day.

Who's your favorite professional athlete and why?

Gretchen Walsh. She just seems really nice and very positive.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Anywhere that's tropical with clear water and pretty beaches.

If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see and why?

Zach Bryan.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Steak. We eat steak a lot (in my house), and it's probably one of my favorite foods.

Finish this sentence. Izzy DiPasquale is...

Determined. I don't like to give up super easily. I try to keep going.