Stella Maris student competes at state swimming tournament

Eleanor Enslin, right, poses with her mother and coach Brenda Enslin competing at the Minnesota State High School League swimming championships. (Submitted photo)

Eleanor Enslin, a student athlete at Stella Maris Academy, competed in the Minnesota High School League state swimming championships, following in the footsteps of her mother, Brenda Enslin, who is also her coach. 

“This year’s girls swim team is the first Stella Maris Academy MSHSL varsity team,” said Chris Lemke, principal of the school’s junior high and high school campus. He said the team “had an amazing year” with eight girls between seventh and ninth grade qualifying for finals in sections. He said they “represented our school with grace and a level of confidence well beyond their years.” 

Brenda Enslin says she swam for Melrose High School and qualified for the state championships for the first time as a ninth grader in the 200 medley relay, and then in other races over the next three years. 

“It has been 25 years since I competed in my last state meet,” she said. “It was so fun to return again as coach for Stella Maris Academy and mom to Sentinel swimmer Eleanor Enslin, who competed in the 200 yard individual medley and 100 yard breaststroke.” 

She said some of her best swimming memories are of her mom jumping up and down and cheering her on from the stands. 

“I always knew she was proud of me no matter what,” Brenda said. “I could’ve gotten first or last, added time or dropped time, and she’d be there as my No. 1 fan. She passed away last February but continues to inspire me to be the best supporter of my daughter and the girls on our swim team.” 

This is Stella Maris' second year having a girls swim team and the first year competing as a member of the Minnesota State High School League. Brenda said they “have done an incredible job this season taking on the challenges of competing at that level and representing our school well.” She notes that academically, they ended the first quarter with a team average GPA of 3.83 while managing a busy practice and competition schedule. 

She said some of her best memories of the season involve prayer, including praying together after every practice and before every meet, as well as attending Mass together after staying overnight for a meet in International Falls. 

“It was an honor to represent our team and Stella Maris Academy at the state championships,” Brenda said. “I know Eleanor’s grandma was cheering her on excitedly from heaven. She loved to watch swim meets and would be just as proud of Eleanor and this team as I am.”