Misch Earns Gamer of the Week Honors
Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald are pleased to present this week’s Female Gamer of the Week to Junior Carolyn Misch of the Winfield High School Swim team.
For Winfield High School junior Carolyn Misch, swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion that began back in fifth grade. Initially starting out with a desire to learn how to dive, Carolyn quickly discovered her love for the water and has since made waves in the local swimming community. This marks her seventh year swimming, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down.
"My journey started when I wanted to learn how to dive," Carolyn shared. "I started swimming lessons, and I fell in love with the sport." From that point on, her commitment to swimming has only deepened, and her passion continues to fuel her every stroke.
As a freestyler, Carolyn competes in the 50 and 100-meter freestyle events, and she’s made significant strides in her performance. But for her, it’s not just about personal achievement. Her goals this season reflect her desire to push her limits and improve. “My personal goal this season has been to push my body and see what I am capable of,” she said. “A team goal is to get as many people to states as we can.” This selfless attitude demonstrates the balance Carolyn strikes between individual success and contributing to the team’s collective accomplishments.
Carolyn’s love for swimming goes beyond competition. “I love the individuals in the swim community. The friends I've made on my team and other local teams are very important to me and makes practices and meets so much fun.” It’s clear that the relationships she’s built within the sport are a source of great motivation and enjoyment.
Her leadership shines not only in the pool but also outside of it. Carolyn has been a driving force behind the team’s success this season. Despite being part of a smaller team, she believes in the power of hard work. “While we are a small team this year, everyone works hard to improve and be successful in the pool,” Carolyn said. Her dedication and work ethic have helped elevate the team’s performance, and her positive influence is felt by her teammates.
As a role model, Carolyn looks to the unwavering support of her family and friends. “While I don't have an individual role model, my close friends and family always encourage me to work hard and achieve my goals” she said. This strong support system has been crucial in helping her maintain focus and continue striving for excellence.
Beyond swimming, Carolyn’s commitment to her academics and extracurricular activities is equally impressive. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society, participates in marching and concert band, and is an active swimmer with WV WILD Swim. Her academic achievements extend to her success in sports as well—last year, she earned second place in the 100 backstroke at the Short Course Championships and was named to the All-County swim team.
Carolyn’s success extends to her rankings this season, where she earned 1st place at Winfield High School, 2nd in Region IV, 3rd in the Cardinal Conference, and received All Region Team for the 2025 season. These accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, discipline, and resilience.
Looking to the future, Carolyn plans to attend an in-state school and major in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics. She hopes to continue growing academically while maintaining her passion for swimming in the years ahead.
“Carolyn is a standout swimmer and an inspiring leader in and out of the pool. Her dedication is only matched by her commitment to her teammates. Whether it’s pushing herself to new limits or offering support and guidance to others, she leads by example, embodying the values of hard work, discipline, and resilience. Her leadership extends beyond race day, as she consistently motivates her team to strive to be their best” Coach Michael Bordenet.
Carolyn and the Winfield Generals will be back in action at the WVSSAC State Championship February 20-21st in Morgantown.
Please look for other local high school athletes to be named in next week’s Female Gamer of the Week Sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald.
MEGAN SCARBERRY, MS, CPT, POTENTIAL PLUS INSTRUCTOR AT TEAYS PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER INC.