When Kate Dove, Desert Sunrise High School’s new head swim coach this year, arrived on campus, she relied on student Chloe Armstrong for directions. Armstrong knew the place well, after all; she is the only student-athlete to compete all four years of her high school swimming career at the young school. 

The senior saved her best for the big stage at the Arizona Interscholastic Association State Championships. She entered in her two specialties, the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke, then executed a near-perfect weekend. 

On prelims day, Armstrong opened with the fly and secured the second-fastest time. She returned for the backstroke and grabbed the fourth spot.  

“When you prepare, you’re confident,” she said. “I wanted clean starts, tight turns and to hold my tempo.” 

Finals brought the same composure. Armstrong hit the water in the 100 butterfly and held her seed to finish as the state runner-up. Minutes later, she climbed back on the blocks for the 100 back and placed fourth.  

“I’m really happy,” she reacted. “Second is the highest I’ve ever been on the podium, and it shows how much I’ve worked the last four years.” 

Earlier this fall, she broke the one-minute barrier in the 100 fly, a milestone that sharpened her confidence heading into state.  

“Fly is really hard, and back is hard too, but I like the challenge,” Armstrong said. “In the water you’re secluded. It’s just you and your thoughts. You have to push yourself.”