Corey Perrine/Staff Photo Illustration Gulf Coast's Elise Haan, 15, is this year's girls swimmer of the year. The standout athlete defended her state title in the 100 meter backstroke. She also added runner-up in the 50 meter freestyle in 2012. Haan has been swimming since age 11 and didn't like it at first because of 'the cold water.' However, it's easy to say she's well past her beginnings. While colleges can't start the recruit process because of her sophomore status, she's receiving a lot of surveys and literature in the mail. She's undecided on colleges and major as of yet but hopes to make swimming a career. She's currently working toward improving to be ready for the Olympics in 2016. 'What contributes to my success is just working hard,' Haan said. 'You can have as much talent as you want but you still have to work hard if you want to get somewhere.'

Photo by COREY PERRINE

Corey Perrine/Staff Photo Illustration Gulf Coast's Elise Haan, 15, is this year's girls swimmer of the year. The standout athlete defended her state title in the 100 meter backstroke. She also added runner-up in the 50 meter freestyle in 2012. Haan has been swimming since age 11 and didn't like it at first because of "the cold water." However, it's easy to say she's well past her beginnings. While colleges can't start the recruit process because of her sophomore status, she's receiving a lot of surveys and literature in the mail. She's undecided on colleges and major as of yet but hopes to make swimming a career. She's currently working toward improving to be ready for the Olympics in 2016. "What contributes to my success is just working hard," Haan said. "You can have as much talent as you want but you still have to work hard if you want to get somewhere."

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