For Alexus Merkert this winter, focus is the buzz word.

The Whitehall senior admittedly vowed to focus more on all the aspects of her events in her final season in the Zephyr program. She also is excited about shifting her professional focus after high school to a new venture into the world of photography that just recently began.

Merkert is one of four female seniors and six overall on a team that saw a veteran core leave the program last season. It has been a transition year in some ways for Merkert and her fellow seniors.

“Overall, it has been going pretty well,” said Merkert. “We have had some ups and downs. It has been a little bit different, but we are all still pretty close.

“I just want this season to be a good one. I began the year wanting to focus on improving my strokes as well as everything else. I know this might be my final time swimming competitively, so I want to make it my best season.”

Merkert plans to enroll in the Antonelli Institute in Erdenheim, offering graphic design and photography and located just outside Philadelphia, next fall to begin her photography career. She was impressed by a visit they recently made, and it rekindled thoughts of the career from her freshman year.

“When I was a freshman, I thought about going to Lehigh County Technical Institute when I graduated, but then I changed my mind,” Merkert recalled. “I didn’t know we had a photography class until recently and I took it during the fall.

“I really enjoy taking all kinds of pictures. After I took the class, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I am looking forward to going there next fall.”

As for the winter, Merkert has already qualified for the 100 butterfly, an event she swam at states her first two years and at districts the past three years, and she is within tenths of seconds to qualify for the 100 freestyle.

Although Merkert tends to down play her effect on the younger swimmers, head coach Pete Rile understands her importance to the program.

“She has been one of the more talented swimmers and has a great heart for other members,” said Rile. “She comments on their improvement and helps with their techniques, most of the time being unsolicited. Alexis (Merkert) has been a big part of our program since her freshman year.”

Merkert credits her swimming beginnings and beyond to her father Herb, who started her at age four, and to former Zephyr Mina Feyrer, who is swimming as a freshman at the University of Delaware. Merkert also has been involved with the Parkland Swimming club Since she was eight.

“My dad always had coached me since I was very young,” said Merkert. “He has been a big inspiration to me. Nina (Feyrer) and I started swimming together at the age of 10. She always has helped me to work hard.”

However, Merkert doesn’t plan to lose her focus on the present, whether it be in the pool or behind the camera.