Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Gianna du-Long

Grade: Senior, School: CVCHS, Sport: Swimming

UC Santa Cruz announced their first swim and diving commit from the Class of 2020 as Clayton Valley Charter’s own Gianna du-Long. As a lifelong competitive swimmer, du-Long spent nearly as much of her childhood in the water as she did on land. She has been on numerous local teams, such as the Springwood Sprinters, Dana Hills Otters and New Wave Aquatics before finding a home with the Walnut Creek Aquabears just before high school. She calls this transition the “best decision of her life.” She practices with the Aquabears nine times a week in order to train for their Olympic-level year-round meets. As a four-year varsity swimmer at CVCHS, du-Long has broken three relay and three individual records dating back to the early 2000s.

This year, she has already broken two of the records she set herself in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle. Head coach Adrian Lohse calls her “one of the fastest swimmers in Clayton Valley’s history. She is an energetic leader whose passion is bringing her teammates together to make Clayton Valley swimming a lifelong memory.” She earned the high point award and qualified for North Coast all three of her seasons.

In the classroom du-Long has maintained an unweighted 4.0 GPA. She is also a member of Clayton Valley’s National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, Senior Women Club, ASB Leadership and Public Service Academy. She describes her recent commitment to the Banana Slug family as a “dream come true.” Du-Long credits her success to the constant support and inspiration from her family members, coaching staff and teammates that encourage her to “stay humble and just do it.”

CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Gianna and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.