When she was in fifth grade, Jess Marselles remembered how older brother David - then a member of the Whitehall swimming program - encouraged her to try the sport.

"I wasn't involved in anything and he (David) thought it might be a good idea," said Marselles, whose brother is seven years older than her. "I got involved with the Whitehall Waves and started swimming competitively.

"I really love the sport now, and I'm swimming as much as I can."

Being totally immersed in the sport has also paid some dividends for Marselles as well. A junior, Marselles recently qualified for districts for the second straight year, as she will compete in the 100 breaststroke, 200 IM and the 200 IM relay. She received a medal last year at districts for her part on the 200 IM relay team that finished fourth overall.

It has been a strong season for Marselles and her teammates all year. She has been among the top finishers in her events. Marselles admittedly has benefitted from her team's success.

"We have been doing really well as a team this year," said Marselles. "We recently beat Freedom and that was a big win for us. Last year was harder for me than this year. But I really can get motivated from all of the success we have had as a team over the past few years."

Marselles, who qualified of the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM relay last season, was motivated to make more of an impact this winter.

"I wanted to work more on my technique," she said. "I also wanted to get faster and work on my strength. So far, I feel like my hard work has paid off for me this season. Toward the end of last season, I felt like I really arrived and I have felt better about myself ever since."

Head coach Pete Rile has seen and has liked the results.

"Jess (Marselles) has worked really hard since she entered the program," said Rile. "She is out there every day doing the very best she can. Jess is the kind of swimmer that can easily get unnoticed, but she is always there for us in the end. She has more confidence and should have a good finish to her season."

In the future, Marselles would like to continue swimming as well as coaching. For the past few years, she has been coaching for the Whitehall Waves in their spring and fall programs. Her aspiration is to become an elementary school teacher. The daughter of David and Susan, Marselles likes to go camping and hang out with her friends when she isn't in the pool.

However, she doesn't want to think about ending her career at Whitehall anytime soon.

"My teammates really push and I love them like a family," she stated. "My coaches have always pushed me to get me to do things I thought I couldn't do. I know I can keep getting better times and would love to go to states."