Fifteen-year-old Zach Fisher, a sophomore at Midlothian High School and an accomplished competitive swimmer, continues to shatter records. Additionally, he is a positive role model and mentor to younger swimmers on the Hallsley High Tides swim team, providing guidance and an example of compassion, leadership, and sportsmanship. 

Zach volunteers as a coach-in-training for the Hallsley High Tides swim team and is committed to helping the team and younger swimmers reach their potential. He is a major part of the Hallsley community as a swimmer, and he is excited to start lifeguarding at the Hallsley pool this summer. 

Zach’s family moved to Hallsley after hearing about the positive, supportive community, which has remained the reason they’ve stayed. His family includes his mom, dad, sister (Maddie), and, most importantly, his dog (Sky). 

Zach originally began swimming about ten years ago, joining the neighborhood team with his friends. Zach is now fully committed to swimming, practicing every day and competing as a year-round swimmer. 

In addition to Hallsley, Zach swims year-round for Quest and in the winter for Midlothian High School. Zach has swam across the state and even in national meets (International Swimming Coaches Association). He is a state champion in 100 freestyle and 50 breaststroke and holds the 14 and under Virginia record for the 4 x 100 freestyle. He holds many records for Hallsley: 100 IM (for 11-12), 50 free (for 11-12), 50 back (for 11-12), 50 Fly (for 11-12), the 200 Medley Relay with C. Moore, L. Foldeneauer, and G. Schwabe (for 11-12), 100 IM (for 13-14), 50 Free (for 13-14), 50 back (for 13-14), and part of the winning relay with C. Moore, M. Holston, and G. Schwabe (for 13-14), 100 free (for 15-18), 100 IM (for 15-18), 50 free (for 15-18), 50 back (for 15-18), and winning relay team with G. Schwabe, E. Mierenfeld, and B. Bever (for 15-18). Zach has received the distinguished “coaches award” for leadership, sportsmanship, and a generally positive attitude. Shout out to all Hallsley swimmers and record breakers! 

When interviewed and asked about his future plans and who inspires him, Zach had this to say. In the future, he plans to swim in college and study architecture or engineering design as his major. While he is an inspiring athlete, Zach describes how he looks up to his swim coach, Mrs. Mierchuk, because she is always outgoing and maintains a positive attitude no matter what, forming a strong relationship with her swimmers. Zach also admires Coach Dudley Duncan because of his long-lasting achievements, including founding four successful swim teams (including Quest), coaching multiple Olympian medalists (Whitney Hedgepath and Rada Owen), and being inducted into the coaches' hall of fame. Growing up, Zach was inspired by reading The Art of Swimming and the Game of Racing by Dudley Duncan, which made a significant impact on him. Fun fact, Zach has met several Olympian medalists like Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel, as well as swimmers on the UVA team. 

This sport has allowed him to find a wonderful community and the grand, ambitious opportunities to race and compete with his friends. While Zach has broken records and met numerous famous people, his favorite moment was when the Hallsley High Tides won champs. He reflects upon the feeling of winning and solidarity when everyone around him was excited and cheering loudly, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere that will stick with him forever. Swimming has taught him the importance of dedication and hard work. Zach shares that breaking records doesn’t come easily – it takes practice and resilience to wake up at four in the morning, go to school, and then swim again in the afternoon. Swimming isn’t always easy and can create stress and pressure — building character and resilience. 

For anyone interested in swimming, Zach recommends focusing on technique and making sure you commit time to practice every day — consistency and hard work will separate you from others. 

Cheers to the future and possible future Olympian, Zach Fisher!