We asked and you chose. Your new athlete of the week is Paige Munna from King’s Academy!

The 2023 swimmer won 47.96% of the vote for her performance at the Florida Christian Schools Invitational on September 11.

Munna placed first in the 500-yard and 200-yard free runs (5: 07.72, 1: 54.77 respectively) to help the Lady Lions win the competition with a total of 585 points.

But according to head coach Gina Proscia, the impact of Munn’s inspirational story is greater than the points she puts on the board.

“Her presence on the pool deck reminds girls how quickly life can change and how important your teammates are,” said Proscia, noting the “diversity” Munna has experienced.

Last week’s winner:Robert Harris of Glades Central football

Following:Palm Beach Post Athlete of the Week Vote (September 6-11)

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After swimming competitively for seven years this season, Munna has chosen to swim through a painful recovery process after a series of knee surgeries.

“From Grades 7 to 9, I dislocated my left kneecap four times and ended up partially tearing my MCL ligament,” Munna said. “This led to me undergoing scheduled ligament repair surgery a month after I started competing in my freshman year.”

Last year, Munna fractured her left kneecap while competing in a long jump competition for a physical education class.

“It was an emotionally difficult experience at times because I felt like I was constantly thrown into obstacles,” said Munna. “Fortunately, my teammates surrounded me with love and support as I recovered, which made getting back to the pool an important goal.”

After each operation, Munna was banned from swimming for two months and received physical therapy 3-4 times a week.

“Once I got back into the pool it was like I was learning to swim for the first time,” Munna said, noting that she couldn’t use her left leg until she found it. its strength and mobility, which “took time and patience.

“I returned to the competition pool last summer and have been more than excited for what awaits me since I train again and am healthy again.”

Beyond her athletic progress, Proscia said Munna “is learning to prioritize her goals and believe in her dreams.”

“Sometimes it’s scary to define your dreams with your coaches for fear of failure,” said Proscia. “Paige starts taking the bull by the horns!”

“I decided I wanted to swim in college, and one of my biggest goals right now is finding a college that is academically and athletically suitable for me,” Munna said. “Over the summer I started researching schools and contacting coaches. I’ve chatted with a lot of different trainers over the months and it’s really a lot of fun.

Proscia said of Munna and her growth: “Paige has an inner drive to be successful; she will always find a way to overcome.