For Elyse Liberatore, swimming isn’t just about racing—it’s about pushing herself beyond what she thought was possible. A member of the Blackhawk Swim Team (HOX) since she was 10, Elyse has embraced the sport with determination, proving that hard work and a strong mindset can turn challenges into triumphs.
Unlike many swimmers who start young, Elyse dove into competitive swimming later than most, with no prior experience before joining HOX. “At first, I was nervous about competing,” she recalls. “But as I got more comfortable, I started to love the challenge of racing and watching my times drop week after week.” That shift in mindset helped Elyse transform her fear into excitement, a lesson reinforced by her coaches. One coach told her during her first meet, “You’re not actually nervous, you’re excited.” That perspective stuck with her, and she now applies it not just in swimming but in life—choosing to embrace challenges with a positive mindset.
Elyse’s favorite stroke, butterfly, embodies this philosophy. “Even though it’s hard, pushing myself to master the toughest stroke makes other challenges, both in and out of the pool, feel easier,” she says. Her hard work was recognized last season at the HOX Awards Banquet when she was named “Most Dedicated Swimmer” in the 11-12 age group, an honor she holds close to her heart. “For me, it’s about being the best version of myself, supporting my teammates, and cheering as loud as possible for every swimmer—young or old.”
Her most memorable race? The Battle of the Ages Meet 50-yard Backstroke. The nerves hit hard, but once
she was on the block, everything faded except for the rush of the race. “I can still feel every moment— pushing off, the flip turn, my lungs burning, and finally slamming my hand into the wall,” she remembers. When she looked up and saw she had won her heat, the thrill was unforgettable.
Beyond swimming, Ely
se is a junior coach, helping younger swimmers on the team gain confidence, just as her coaches helped her. She also stays active in National Charity League and serves as a stage manager for her school plays. But no matter what she’s involved in, the lessons from swim stick with her. “Consistency and hard work pay off, in and out of the pool,” she says.
For Elyse, the HOX team is more than a swim team—it’s a hardworking, supportive community where teammates lift each other up. “Even if you start late like I did, you can still be great at something if you put in the effort,” she says. As she heads into her third season, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to push herself, inspire her teammates, and remind everyone that sometimes, the hardest challenges bring the greatest rewards.
By Stacie Mihalik