On Febuary 7, Peyton Orlando signed her national letter of intent to swim competitively at Florida State University (FSU). She has been swimming since she was a young girl. She was introduced to the sport by her best friend Lindsay Jonas.
She announced her verbal agreement to continue her athletic career at Florida State on December 19, 2023. What drew her to the school was the coaches and their methods
“I liked the environment and I liked the coaching staff.” Orlando said.
Orlando has been a part of the Linganore Swim and Dive team since sophomore year. Since then she has broken multiple records for the school and achieved many personal bests.
She has broken records in the 50 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke at Linganore
At the event ceremony, Social Studies teacher and Linganore swim coach, Joe Hawkins, presented her many accolades which include being a 4 time Maryland Swimmer of the Year, 8 state titles, 2 US Junior Internationals and was also named a “Scholastic All American.”
Along with being on the school swim team, she is also a part of Fox Swim club which she joined at 9 years old. She labels Rob Fox, her club coach, as one of her biggest supporters.
Her parents have also been helpful in aiding her passion for the sport. Attending every meet and traveling to events across the country.
Since Orlando has started swimming, she has faced many challenges and triumphs. She suffered a shoulder injury in her sophomore year and had to take a small break from swimming.
“My shoulder injury in my sophomore year took a toll on me and there was a mental recovery there as well that took a while.” Orlando said.
She has goals after college to continue swimming but not competitively. It is not something she sees herself going to the Olympics, but she enjoys it enough to do it recreationally.
“She may not just be the fastest girl in Linganore history, she just might be the fastest girl in Frederick County history,” Hawkins said.
Orlando is very excited to start the 2024-2025 school year at (FSU). She has already met her housing roommate who will also be on the swim team with her.
