Quinn Schmidt has already made a habit of seeing her name listed first on swimming heat sheets and the season is only two weeks old.

The Durango High School sophomore swimmer has won seven out of 11 races she’s competed in through the first three meets. She has raced in four individual events and is part of three relay teams.

This is her first year swimming for the Demons team, as she is one of 11 new faces on this year’s squad. She also has competed with the Durango Swim Club.

“It’s really fun to be part of a team, and swimming for DHS is all about swimming for the team,” Schmidt said. “It’s all about getting the points as a team and winning as a team, and I just think that’s the best part of it – you’re doing everything as a team.”

Schmidt has embraced the mindset of representing her school.

“Quinn will be able to contribute for us both as an individual and a relay swimmer,” DHS head coach Thomas Joyner said. “She’s very well-rounded and can compete in so many events and do well in all of them and has really helped us to get off to such a great start this season.”

Last Friday at one of two home meets for the year, Schmidt won all four events in which she competed. Her time of 59.72 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle was a personal best. She also won the 200 freestyle event in 2:05.32, more than six seconds ahead of her nearest competition, while her 100 time was 10 seconds better than second place. Schmidt also anchored the 400 freestyle relay team and competed in the 200 medley relay.

The daughter of Darren and Debbie Schmidt said she set a clear goal at the beginning of the season and is well on her way to achieving it.

“I’d like to make state and do well there,” Schmidt said. “I think it’s been a good start for me, but I know the season has a ways to go, but right now, I do think I’m on track.”

She already has seven state qualifying times. While Schmidt has raced in a variety of short and mid-length races, her personal favorite is the grueling 500 freestyle – an event she has already received a state qualifying time for.

“I love long-distance events,” Schmidt said. “There’s just something about the 500 where you have time to get going, but it’s also just really fun to work hard and have that chance to just keep going like that.”

Joyner is most excited about Schmidt’s confidence and where it can go this season and beyond.

“With the relays, such a big part of it is figuring out that combination that can make it something special,” Joyner said. “I’m looking forward to that happening, but then also in her individual races to keep dropping times. She has that nice, quiet leadership style with her group of girls and as a whole, and I can see big things for her coming soon.”

bploen@ durangoherald.com

Behind the scenes

What is your favorite movie?:

Any “Star Wars” movie.

What is your favorite pre- or post-Race meal?:

Pasta with chicken, red sauce and garlic bread.

If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?:

The ability to fly because of the high point of view.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?:

Hawaii, or anywhere with a beach.

Who is your favorite athlete?:

Katie Ledecky; She’s a distance swimmer, and I was really inspired by her last Olympic Games.

What is your favorite book?:

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling.

What is your favorite local restaurant?:

Zia Taqueria always hits the spot, and it’s amazing.

Which teacher has had the Greatest impact on you?:

Mr. Andrew Dejong, my eighth-grade math teacher at Miller Middle School. He was really great and cared a lot for all of us.

Who is your role model?:

Katie Ledecky and my swimming friends. Just being around these swimmers is really amazing to see how they work hard every day.