By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Rachel Stumpf is a senior member of the Pulaski girls’ swimming team.
She qualified for the WIAA state tournament her sophomore year in the 500 freestyle.
Stumpf is undecided about her college choice, but she hopes to swim at the next level.
Name: Rachel Stumpf
School: Pulaski
Sport: Girls’ swimming
Events: Individual medley, backstroke, distance freestyle
Parents: Roy and Sarah
Tell me about your family.
“I have a younger brother named Joe who attends Notre Dame Academy, an older sister named Kate who goes to Northwestern University, my mom is from Michigan and my dad is from around here.”
Both of your siblings went to Notre Dame Academy – why Pulaski for you?
“We live in the Pulaski School District, but I was specifically looking for a high school with a swimming program, and Notre Dame doesn’t have a team.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“Joe cross country skis and runs cross country and track, Kate skied and ran and both my parents are big runners, bikers and skiers.”
Do you ski?
“A little bit for fun.”
Did you ever try other sports at Pulaski?
“In middle school, I did cross country but nothing else in high school.”
Is there one you wish you had done?
“If it wouldn’t be in the same season as swimming, I would have liked to do cross country.”
What is it like swimming for head coach Connor Huff?
“He’s super fun and involved in everything we do. He’s nice and fun to joke around with.”
Your four years is coming to an end – reflect.
“All the way through, it’s been four girls – it’ll be weird to not swim with them after this season.”
What is your best stroke?
“The backstroke – it’s not too hard to learn.”
Most difficult?
“Butterfly – It’s hard for me to get the rhythm and the breathing at the same time.”
Do you have a most memorable swimming moment?
“Being with the same four girls all four years. We always have the same relay together, so at the end of a meet and we are all ready to be done, we pull together and swim well in our relay.”
Have you ever tried diving before?
“No, I’ve never tried it.”
What would you score in a dive?
“I definitely don’t think I’d do well – I’d be too scared.”
Could you do a cannonball?
“I think I could pull that off (laughing).”
Do you have a favorite family vacation?
“When we went to Guatemala this past spring. It was super cool because we went on a volunteering trip to a school – it was fun to see a different culture, play with the kids and communicate with them.”
Is there something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I can walk on stilts. It was a competition between my dad, brother and I – I was the best at it. I walked around our entire block on stilts.”
What three words describe you?
“Dedicated, hard-working, kind.”
What are two things you’ll miss about Pulaski?
“Being around my friends every day and my classes, teachers and structure.”
How will you be remembered at Pulaski?
“As a strong teammate and leader who was always positive, worked hard and cheered for everyone.”
Favorites
Swimmer: Missy Franklin
Food: Apples
Candy: Sour Patch Kids
Ice cream: Mint chocolate chip
Phone app: Instagram