How One Student Balances Elite Swimming and School at NCVA

For sixth-grader Annabella, the pool has always felt like home. 

A competitive swimmer since the age of six, Annabella trains nearly every day – often for two hours at a time, with additional strength and conditioning sessions each week. As her training intensified and travel for swim meets increased, her family began searching for a school experience that could keep up. 

That search led them to North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA). 

“I started about a month after the beginning of the school year, and I’m really liking it so far,” Annabella shared. “I love all my teachers, and I think they do a really good job.” 

A New School Experience Built for a Demanding Schedule 

Before enrolling at NCVA, Annabella attended a traditional school. Between long school days, daily practices and frequent travel for meets, the schedule quickly became overwhelming. 

“We moved to online school because I needed more rest,” Annabella said. “It was just a lot on top of school and how much I swam every week.” 

Now, with virtual learning, Annabella can stay on track academically while giving her body the recovery time it needs to perform at a high level in the pool. 

NCVA also allows her to continue her studies while traveling for competitions – something that is key for an athlete who competes nearly every month of the year. 

Competing at the Highest Levels 

Annabella began swimming when she was four years old, in a summer swim program. By the age of six, she had joined a competitive team. Today, she trains year-round and competes in both short-course and long-course seasons. 

She travels regularly for meets across the region, including competitions in Atlanta and Virginia, and is preparing to compete in sectional championships this spring. 

Annabella has also already achieved a rare milestone for her age. 

Last year, she was invited to represent North Carolina as part of the Southern Zone team at USA Swimming’s Open Water Championship in Fort Myers, Florida – an invitation earned only by top swimmers who meet strict qualifying standards. 

At 11-years-old, Annabella was one of only a few swimmers in her age group selected and the only female swimmer from her club to earn the honor. 

“It was really cool to represent the state,” Annabella shared. 

The experience – competing in challenging ocean conditions and representing her region – gave Annabella her first opportunity to compete on a larger stage and explore open-water swimming, which is also an Olympic event. 

Looking Towards the Future 

Despite a demanding schedule, Annabella remains focused on both her education and her long-term athletic goals. 

“I definitely want to go to college for swimming,” she said. “And I’m hoping to go to the Olympics.” 

With a schedule built around both academics and training, Annabella is building a strong foundation – both in and out of the pool, thanks to the support of her teachers at NCVA. 

Is virtual learning right for your family? 

Unlock possibilities you never imagined! Explore how North Carolina Virtual Academy can support your child’s journey. Click here to learn more about us today! 

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