Female Athlete of the Week – Chloe Marchesani, Bergen Tech by Chuck O’Donnell of The Record
Chloe Marchesani has a newfound passion for swimming.
That much was evident last week, when the Bergen Tech junior who swims for Teaneck led the Highwaywomen to two big wins.
The Record Female Athlete of the Week started off by winning the 50 freestyle as Teaneck beat Paramus Catholic. Then, on Thursday, Marchesani took first place in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke, and swam a leg on the victorious 200 and 400 free relays in a victory over Ramapo.
It’s been a breakout season for Marchesani, who recommitted herself to the sport over the summer and joined the Jersey Flyers Aquatics Club.
“I just realized I want to swim,” she said. “That’s what I want to do. I would join a new team, have a fresh start and do what I need to do to get better.”
To that end, her versatility has been a big reason the Teaneck girls team was off to an 8-0 start at week’s end — the Highwaywomen’s best start since 1985. The Highwaywomen have already surpassed last season’s win total, thanks to Marchesani, who has swum in nine of the 11 events this season.
She admits that some of the events are not her favorites, but Marchesani shrugs and says, “I do it to help my team.”
She also likes to help kids. That’s why she volunteers at the Hawthorne Elementary School. Marchesani, a business major at Bergen Tech who harbors dreams of one day of becoming an accountant, spends a few hours tutoring kids there each week, usually on Friday.
“They don’t like doing homework,” Marchesani said. “They would rather play and stuff like that, but when they see me, they give me a big hug. They like when I come.”
Also nominated: Amber Porrett of Dumont for basketball
Chloe Marchesani, Bergen Tech
Sport: Swimming. Class: Junior. Age: 16
Accomplishment: Chloe Marchesani won five events total in helping the Teaneck swim team to victories over Ramapo and Paramus Catholic.