Green Valley sisters Addie, Carlee Oswald push each other to maximize talent

Carlee Oswald looks at her older sister as her coach, but also her competitor.

Addie Oswald similarly views what she jokingly calls “Team Oswald.”

And Green Valley swimming coach Bob Swift is just happy to have the two transfers from Silverado.

“In high school swimming, a lot of the kids are brand new,” Swift said. “They bring an understanding of the sport and what it takes to win.”

A family move caused the sisters to transfer to Green Valley from Silverado, where Addie Oswald won state titles last year in the 200- and 500-yard freestyles.

Addie, now a senior, has the Sunrise Region’s fastest times in the 100 freestyle (54.84 seconds) and 200 individual medley (2:10.58). She is second in the 200 freestyle (1:58.27), third in the 100 backstroke (1:02.41) and fourth in the 500 freestyle (5:15.31).

Carlee Oswald, a sophomore, has the region’s second-best time in the 100 backstroke (1:01.06) and is third in the 100 (55.19) and 200 freestyles (1:58.41).

The tandem will lead the Gators into the Sunrise meet, which begins Friday at Las Vegas Municipal Pool. The Sunset meet starts Friday at Desert Breeze. The finals will be Saturday.

Addie, who has signed with Rider University, said she and her sister have improved because of each other.

“It’s always going to be competitive, but I think it’s a good competitiveness,” she said. “I think it pushes both of us to be better swimmers.”

Carlee agreed.

“Sometimes it’s competitive, but we support each other,” she said. “She’s been through a lot, so she’s sort of like my coach.”

HOMMEL INJURED — Green Valley sophomore standout Robert Hommel will try to compete in the Sunrise meet despite suffering a possible hairline fracture in his right elbow while playing basketball Saturday.

Hommel, who has the Sunrise’s top times in six events, sat out Monday’s practice with a sling supporting his right arm. He said the injury could take a month to heal, but he will try to swim.

“If I can swim, I could win, so I’ll attempt it,” he said.

Hommel has the Sunrise’s top times in the 50 freestyle (22.13), 100 freestyle (48.6), 200 freestyle (1:43.28), 500 freestyle (4:32.06), 100 breaststroke (59.13) and 200 individual medley (1:55.08).

Hommel earned All-America consideration in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke as a freshman last season.