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12/23/2020 11:00 PMSorina Cheng was a freshman phenom for the Guilford girls’ swimming and diving squad this fall. Sorina proved one of Guilford’s top swimmers, while earning All-SCC Division II honors for a team that won a divisional title.
Sorina swam in the 200 individual medley, the 100 backstroke, the 200 medley relay, and the 200 freestyle relay as a freshman. Guilford finished its season by swimming at the SCC Virtual Championship, where all 17 teams in the conference competed at their home pools in order to form the standings.
Keyed by Sorina’s strong performances, Guilford scored 1,055 points in the SCC Division II rankings to claim first place at the championship, resulting in the team’s first postseason title. Guilford also finished eighth in the SCC overall with 483 points scored for those standings.
Sorina took second place in Division II and was eighth in the SCC for the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:04.22. In the 200 IM, she finished third in the division and ninth in the SCC with a time of 2:19.22. Sorina received All-SCC Division II accolades in both of her individual events, in addition to swimming on a pair of runner-up relays that did the same, including a 200 medley relay that set a school record with a mark of 1:58.25.
“This was my first season swimming for Guilford High School, and I can positively say that my favorite moment of this year was finding out we were the division champions,” says Sorina. “I think this is a great way to start my high school swimming career.”
Sorina got out to an early start in the water as she began swimming at the age of two. When she was six, Sorina started to swim competitively.
“I have been swimming for 12 years now. Eight of those years have been competitive swimming,” Sorina says. “I think what really got me into the sport was my constant high energy. My mom thought swimming was a good way to use all that energy, so I’ve stuck with the sport since.”
Sorina has formed several connections throughout her swimming career. She’s met some of her best friends as a result of competing in the sport.
“My favorite aspect of the sport is being surrounded by your close friends, while training with them at the same time,” says Sorina. “Another great part of the sport is that it is based off of times, so you can see proof of improvement. Personally, what I do to improve my times is attend extra practices. Occasionally, I would go to my brother’s practice as a chance to get more training in. I tend to do better when I am consistently training.”
Sorina enjoys competing for Head Coach Jenn Amasino’s team at the high school. Sorina has a bond with Amasino and looks forward to working with her for the next three seasons.
“I would say that me and Coach Jenn are very close,” Sorina says. “I can go to her for any and all problems I have with the sport and school. She is always there for whoever needs her.”
Sorina hones her skills by participating in swimming on a year-round basis. Aside from swimming, Sorina enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and roaming social media.
“I don’t play any other sports, because swimming takes up most of my free time,” says Sorina. “Two things that I’m very proud of is I’ve made states every year since I was nine years old. I’ve also made the cut to be able to swim in Florida for an elite meet.”
Sorina is already eager to get back in the pool for her sophomore season. Sorina thinks that Guilford has a bright future in store and wants to help the club win another division title in 2021.
“My goal for next year is to better myself and my times,” Sorina says. “I also hope we can keep the title as Division II champions. It meant a lot to know that I could make All-Conference my first year on the team.”