Title: Harper Creek Swimmers Overcome Health Challenges to Find Belonging and Success
Being part of a high school team can ignite a passion for competition, but it can also provide a sense of belonging and connection to something greater than oneself. For two student-athletes at Harper Creek High School, Brookelyn Halverson and Ella Van Wagner, this sense of belonging and the support of their swim team has been instrumental in helping them overcome their health challenges.
Harper Creek’s girls swimming and diving team refers to themselves as the Beaver swim family, and it is within this family that Halverson and Van Wagner have found solace and a place to belong. Despite facing health conditions associated with epilepsy and Friedreich’s ataxia, respectively, these two swimmers have pushed through the odds to excel in their sport and inspire their teammates.
The girls’ swim coach, Meredith Hawkins, emphasizes the positive impact Halverson and Van Wagner have had on the team. Their presence has not only served as a life lesson for their peers but has also provided Halverson and Van Wagner with a sense of belonging and a supportive network.
Van Wagner, a junior, competes in the 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle, and 100 backstroke events. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of nine, she manages her condition with daily medication and ample sleep. Though she occasionally experiences seizures and anxiety throughout her school day, these challenges fade away when she enters the pool for practice. Van Wagner expresses a deep appreciation for the inclusive atmosphere created by her team, stating that she feels truly valued and accepted.
Halverson, a sophomore, faces her own set of obstacles due to Friedreich’s ataxia, a neuromuscular condition that affects her muscles and balance. Walking can prove difficult for her at times, but once she is in the water, her condition does not hinder her as much. Participating in the swim team allows Halverson to feel a sense of normalcy and acceptance that she cherishes. The team’s welcoming nature and unwavering support have left a profound impact on her life.
In light of November being National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Coach Hawkins believes it is fitting to share the stories of these extraordinary young athletes. Epilepsy affects people of all ages, and in the United States alone, approximately 470,000 children live with this neurological disorder.
When Halverson and Van Wagner’s parents approached Coach Hawkins to discuss their participation on the team, careful considerations were made to ensure their safety. Harper Creek’s swim team, unlike many others, requires a lifeguard to be present during practices and meets specifically for these two girls. Additionally, Halverson requires an in-water start due to her unsteadiness on the starting platform.
Although there have been worrisome moments during their journey, such as Halverson falling or Van Wagner experiencing seizures during practice, the smiles on their faces outweigh any concerns. Witnessing Halverson and Van Wagner thrive as part of the Harper Creek swim family fills their coach and teammates with joy. Coach Hawkins recalls a heartwarming moment when Halverson, despite her challenges on land, found endless delight and freedom swimming in Lake Michigan during a team camping trip.
The dedication and resilience displayed by Halverson and Van Wagner exemplify the power of sports to transcend physical limitations and foster a sense of belonging and achievement. Through their determination and the unwavering support of their team, these two young athletes have defied the odds, becoming an inspiration to all who know their story.
In conclusion, Harper Creek swimmers Brookelyn Halverson and Ella Van Wagner have overcome their health challenges associated with epilepsy and Friedreich’s ataxia to find acceptance and achievement within the Beaver swim family. Their journey sheds light on the importance of inclusivity, support, and the transformative power of being part of a team. As we celebrate National Epilepsy Awareness Month, their stories serve as a reminder of the immense strength and resilience within individuals and the bonds that unite us all in the pursuit of our dreams.
