MANASSAS, Va. — What you do know about Reni Moshos is that she is a phenomenal swimmer.
She is currently being recruited by some of the top colleges in the nation, including University of Florida and University of Arizona.
What you don’t know about Moshos is that she also excels in the classroom, and was recently named to the 2013-14 USA Swimming Scholastic All-America Team, with a 3.5 grade point average.
She enjoys sports movies where athletes overcome obstacles and succeed as a team, has played on a travel volleyball team and after a challenging swim meet, can be seen scarfing down a snack wrap with fries and a McFlurry from McDonald’s.
Reni began her love of swimming when she was six years old. She enjoyed the water, but sought out the competitive spirit that embodies those who participate and watch the sport. So when her father, James, offered up the opportunity for her to swim full time in a competitive nature, she dove in — literally.
Reni is a junior at Highland School in Warrenton. Along with participating on her school’s swim team, she’s also a member of her travel swim club, Nation’s Capital Swim Club (NCAP), with some meets being held at the Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas, VA.
“You know a lot of the people you are swimming against, so you work hard not to lose to anyone,” said Moshos.
This April, Moshos faced a challenging obstacle while participating with her swim club in Arizona competing in the Grand Prix swim meet. The first day was a success, but the second day proved to be a hurdle for each of the members of her relay team who did not swim well.
“After our coach talked sat us all down and spoke to us, we were able to go and swim fast and strong,” says Moshos.
They didn’t win, but the team worked together to perform better by the conclusion of the meet.
“Even though it’s still a meet and there are a high level of swimmers there, we still have to perform at our best and try our best.”
Moshos credits much of her success to her parents, James and Olympia Moshos, because they encourage her to do her best and drive her wherever swimming dictates they travel.
“My parents are extremely supportive,” comments Reni. “After I have a bad swim they critique what I did well and what I didn’t. They are like my coaches in a way.”
Along with her parents the instructional support provided by her coach, Jeremy Linn, is the extra key to her success.
“He knows how far to push me,” says Moshos. As a 1996 Olympian, Reni is confident that Linn can show her the skills necessary to get her there too, “He definitely knows what I need to do and what it takes to get [to the Olympics].”
There is no off-season for Moshos other than a two week break in summer. Swimming takes place all year round.
When there is no off-season, athletes go from good to great much like Reni and her fellow teammates. Workouts are usually daily and consist of plyometrics, ab and core work, aerobics and distance running.
A strength for Moshos is her ability to get excited about her relay splits in the 200 meter freestyle even more than her individual races; her best time of 23.01” with her 50 meter portion of the race.
“I get really excited about having the team aspect,” says Moshos, “because it boosts my confidence and gets me ready.”
For now, Moshos sets her sights on graduating from Highland School and working hard in her studies. Attending a prestigious university is also on her horizon, but she knows she will still be actively involved in the sport of swimming.
“I can see myself as a coach or mentor. I don’t think I can ever fully leave it [swimming],” says Reni who has the talent to be a viable candidate for the 2016 or 2018 Summer Olympics.
Reni encourages younger athletes who want to explore the swimming world and try their hands at competitive swimming. “Make sure you are happy with it and want to be there. In the end, it’s a lot of commitment to yourself and a team,” states Moshos.
