In her senior season, Maliya Walp plans to keep everything in its proper perspective.

“Going into this season, I’m approaching things with a lot of focus and intention, knowing it’s my final high school swim season,” Walp said recently. “I’m really concentrating on making the most of every race opportunity.”

Walp is Catasauqua’s lone swimming representative, and she swims for Northampton’s swimming team. Last season, Walp placed third in the 100 backstroke at districts, and she made her third consecutive appearance in the postseason.

This year, Walp plans to make a return appearance.

“One of my main goals this season is to qualify for districts for the fourth consecutive year after placing third last year in the 100 backstroke,” stressed Walp. “While I compete independently for Catasauqua, I train and compete at practices and meets with the Northampton swim team, which has been a great experience.”

She has been grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team, even though it is at a different high school. It has proved to be a beneficial situation in several ways both physically and mentally.

“Being part of a team environment for training helps push me every day, while racing independently has taught me to stay self-motivated and mentally strong,” said Walp. “Even though I race independently, the Northampton swim team consistently supports and encourages me during my races and that support means a lot to me.”

With districts on the horizon, Walp has worked to maintain herself as a whole swimmer. She was recently recognized by a local daily newspaper as their ‘Athlete of the Week.’

“It was another motivational tool along the way,” she said.

“This season, I’ve been working a lot on staying disciplined both physically and mentally. Being recognized as an Athlete of the Week during the season means a lot to me.”

With districts close, Walp hasn’t lost focus of the big picture.

“I truly appreciate all the support I’ve received over the past four years,” said Walp. “I have worked hard and I am looking forward to seeing what I can do at districts.”