When Mars Molina began swimming at age 5, she felt like it was more of a chore to jump into the pool than an enjoyment.
“It seemed like something I had to do,” Molina said. “It wasn’t until I went to Squalicum my freshman year when I met a group of amazing girls who brought friendship and love to the team.”
The current Squalicum senior began swimming when she lived in Venezuela after she was diagnosed with hypermobility and scoliosis.
“My doctor told me I had to swim for the rest of my life,” Molina said. “I didn’t find enjoyment in swimming at first but I have fallen in love with it since then.”
Molina has competed at the 2A state swim meet every year of high school. At the 2023 state meet, Molina finished seventh in the 200 free relay and 12th in the 200 medley relay.
Molina uses swimming practices and meets as therapy sessions as well.
“When you are swimming in the water, you get to think for an hour,” Molina said. “You have to find a way to pass the time and have your mind separate from your body. I usually think about my day and why I began swimming.”
Swimming helped Molina grow from a shy girl hiding her personality to one of the most outgoing swimmers on the Storm squad. She moved from Venezuela to New York at age 9, then to Bellingham soon after. When Molina arrived in the United States, she did not speak any English.
“I was thrown into a group of people and they handed me an iPad so I could learn English,” Molina said. “Since I got into middle school, I have been more outgoing because my persona was hidden. After I got more comfortable, I began interacting with people and being a leader because it has been a really big passion of mine.”
Molina is one of Squalicum’s three captains this season. She is also a mentor at Squalicum and works with children at Bayside Swimming Club in Bellingham. Molina’s journey through swimming has provided her with a new perspective on life.
“I had a hard time believing in myself,” Molina said. “When you get to a spot that is so close to quitting, you need people to make it fun. Since I have joined Squalicum, it has been like a roller coaster that has only gone up.”
Molina has taken this perspective and uses it in her everyday life with her friends, family, coworkers and teammates.
“My goals have never been about being the fastest or getting the best times,” Molina said. “I don’t have a plan to swim competitively in the future. If I want to do it I will, but I want to be there for people.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
