JEFF FIELDER Editor
GERING – Alanna Becker, a senior at Gering High School who competes on the Scottsbluff/Gering Seacats swimming and diving team, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Becker is one of the top swimmers in western Nebraska, and she’s qualified for the Nebraska state swimming and diving meet each of the last three years. The Seacats’ next meet is Friday at McCook. After high school, Becker plans to walk on to the University of Nebraska at Omaha swimming and diving team. In addition to swimming, Becker is also involved in National Honor Society and HOSA. Her parents are Alan and Becky Becker.
Q: How has this swimming season been going for you?
BECKER: “It’s been going pretty good. The YMCA has taken us under their wing and has given us a lot of support, so that’s awesome.”
Q: What has it been like practicing at the YMCA compared to the Splash Arena?
BECKER: “It’s different. We’ve had to make a lot of changes, but I think they’re good changes, and I think it’s made us stronger.”
Q: Are you pleased with the times and places you’ve gotten so far this season?
BECKER: “Yes, for the most part, but I feel like I can get a lot faster.”
Q: What events have you qualified for state in so far?
BECKER: “I have secondaries in the 200 IM, 100 back and 100 breast, and the relays [400 free, 200 free, and 200 IM].”
Q: What are your goals for the rest of this season?
BECKER: “I’d like to get automatic times and maybe get some records.”
Q: What records are you eyeing?
BECKER: “The 100 breast and maybe the 200 IM.”
Q: Have you set some goals this year pertaining to the state meet?
BECKER: “Yes, I would like to get into the consolation heats for sure and maybe even the finals.”
Q: What is your favorite event?
BECKER: “The 200 IM. It’s hard because it’s a 200, but there’s a lot of variety, so that makes it fun.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed your swimming career up to this point?
BECKER: “I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I don’t think I could live without it.”
Q: You’re planning to swim at UNO. Why did you choose UNO?
BECKER: “I like the environment [in Omaha], and I have a lot of family there. Also, the coach and the team are really nice. I really liked the campus, too.”
Q: Have you always thought about competing in college?
BECKER: “I wasn’t sure at first, but when I started looking at different colleges, I decided I wanted to do that.”
Q: Have you thought about what you want to do for a career?
BECKER: “It’s between becoming a teacher or going into the medical field.”
Q: How is your senior year going at Gering High School?
BECKER: “It’s been going pretty good. It’s going by fast.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed going to Gering High School?
BECKER: “I’ve enjoyed it. The new school is really nice.“
Q: What do you think you’ll miss most about high school?
BECKER: “Probably just seeing my friends all the time.”
Q: Have you always lived in Gering?
BECKER: “Yes, I have.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in Gering?
BECKER: “It’s been nice. I like being in a small town.”
Q: Which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
BECKER: “Mrs. [Kim] Graslie. She retired last year, but she taught math. She always believed in me, and she would always ask me how things were going. She always encouraged me to follow my dreams.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Gering High School?
BECKER: “Stephanie Woolsey. She’s a senior.”
Q: Which swimmer on the team makes people laugh the most?
BECKER: “Samantha Galindo. She’s a senior, too.”
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
BECKER: “Mexican music.”
Q: Favorite TV show?
BECKER: “Friends.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
BECKER: “Encourage each other to be better and to follow their dreams.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one local business, which one would it be and why?
BECKER: “Kelley Bean because my coach works there.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
BECKER: “Yes, I do: Krystal Maldonado, 32; and Krystle Christy, 34.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 in January to Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
