Next stop Washington for Stevenson's Pliskin

The concept of age in sports is so much different from in real life.

Where else but in a sport like swimming would starting a sport right before your 12th birthday make you a late bloomer?

Stevenson senior Michelle Pliskin has made the most of her short time in the sport. After a stellar high school career at Stevenson, her next step is swimming for Division I Georgetown University.

"Most girls start at a very young age and then progress," said Stevenson coach Karl Milkereit. "You see it all the time for guys, but I've never seen (a female) start that old and attain her level of performance."

A key for Pliskin's development is that she never relaxes. She still sees herself as the new kid on the deck. As a result, she will not face the burnout issues that sometimes plague swimmers who began at an extremely young age.

"I definitely don't think burnout will happen to me," she said. "I don't have the years of experience backing me up, so I always feel the need to be in the pool."

Stevenson senior Christina O'Connell introduced Pliskin to the sport.

"We've known each other for a long time, and she's always been one of the hardest workers you'll ever meet," O'Connell said. "She's always striving to reach her goals."

As a senior, Pliskin gave teammate Tori Alland all she could handle at the sectional meet. Alland (5:05.13) just edged Pliskin (5:05.17) in the 500-yard freestyle. They finished in first and second, respectively, and advanced to the state meet.

Milkereit believes Georgetown is an excellent spot for Pliskin.

"She'll be able to contribute throughout her four years," he said. "Georgetown is an up-and-coming team and she'll be one of their best swimmers."

Pliskin is looking forward to her next challenge.

"I feel the coaches will help me achieve my goals over the next four years," she said. "I'll be competing with the best swimmers out there so it will be really exciting."