O'Connell heading for nation's capital

A migration of well-known Chicago politicos are making the move to Washington this year.

Stevenson senior Christina O'Connell will be based three blocks from the White House, but it is not politics that will be foremost on her mind. Instead, starting this fall, she will be focused on swimming for Division I George Washington University.

"It's an exciting urban setting and it was a good academic and athletic fit," she said. "They're renovating their (swimming) facilities over the summer. I'll be able to improve and still be challenged."

Steady improvement was a hallmark of O'Connell's four years on the Stevenson varsity.

"She made a constant progression from her freshman to senior year," said Patriots coach Karl Milkereit. "That's difficult to do."

As a junior, O'Connell competed on Stevenson's 200 medley relay team that established a school record. As a senior, she remained a key cog on that relay, as well as scoring consistent points in the 100-yard butterfly.

"She made a big contribution as a senior," Milkereit said.

O'Connell qualified for state in the 100 butterfly with a strong swim at sectionals (58.86), but she was far from 100 percent at the state meet. Although she was battling food poisoning, going ahead and swimming was an easy decision.

"It was my senior year and swimming was the only option," she said.

The challenge of swimming the butterfly has always intrigued O'Connell.

"That's always been the stroke I've loved swimming," she said. "When it's done right, I think it's the prettiest stroke to watch. It's a really exciting stroke to race."

Added senior Michelle Pliskin: "She can come off an OK practice one day and just blast it in a meet. She's really good when it comes to racing."

O'Connell said that wasn't always the case. Her junior year was when she made a major breakthrough in her mental preparation.

"I used to over think my races," she said. "Now, I don't get as worried and I tell myself I'm ready. I'm (more) in control."