Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week: Jordan Anae

Steve Virgen

Ever heard of Jordan Anae? Remember the name. Jordan Anae

(pronounced An-eye), she’s the next aquatics star from Corona del Mar

High. Need proof?

Anae, a Sea King freshman, delivered a sensational and memorable debut

against Back Bay rival Newport Harbor March 13.

The highlight of her performance included breaking the school record

in the 100-yard backstroke (1:00.35). The record had stood for 10 years,

formerly held by Kate Salvino after her 1:01.08 swim in 1991.

Anae also won the 200 individual medley (2:16.89) and contributed in

victories in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, leading CdM to a 103-67

victory over the Sailors and earning Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week

laurels.

“That was a special meet, the first serious meet of the season,” Anae

said. “Performing well like I did, it really made a change in me.”

All of her times qualified for CIF, and what’s more her 100-back time

was not her personal best.

“My best is 59 (seconds),” Anae said. “I’m hoping by CIF, I can go

58.”

Setting goals and accomplishing them is just one of the many methods

Anae uses in her quest for stardom.

Some of her most important goals?

“Before 2004 Olympics I want to go to Olympic trials in the 100 back,”

Anae said. “I really want to play water polo, too. I want to go to

college for playing water polo.”

Athleticism is another facet of Anae’s success. She played for the

frosh-soph volleyball and water polo teams before rising to varsity

swimming this year. During water polo season, as a driver, she mainly

practiced with the varsity team, as a sign of things to come.

But right now her focus is on swimming and swimming alone.

“She’s just going to be a front-runner most of the season, and emerge

quickly as a leader,” CdM girls swim coach Doug Volding said. “Girls are

already looking to her as a leader. She’s just a great athlete all

around.”

Volding speaks from experience, not only from this year, but from last

year when Anae played on his CdM eighth-grade basketball team.

“She can play any sport,” Volding said. “She was a great athlete on

the court, too. She played anywhere we needed her to in basketball. Her

skill was showing in all areas. She’s a highly skilled athlete. I’m glad

she also chose swimming.”

Next year, Anae said she will decide if she will add volleyball to her

busy schedule again.

“I don’t really enjoy one (sport) the most,” Anae said, when asked of

her favorite sport. “I enjoy doing all of them. If I really had to

choose, water polo would have to be my favorite.”

Anae’s early-season success has also been a reflection from dedication

to swimming, which she attained from training with the Irvine Aquazots.

“That’s helped a lot,” Anae said of her club training. “I used to be

on an YMCA team. Aquazots is more structured and you give a lot more

dedication. That helped me a lot.”

But, the high school competition has also been great for Anae, who

expects to earn more accolades before she graduates.

“High school is a lot more relaxing than club,” Anae said. “There’s a

more friendly atmosphere. It reminds you of when you first started

swimming, for the fun of it. It’s great to be a part of that.”