Southeast Missourian Player of the Week: Jackson's Kyleigh Troxel

Jackson swimmer Kyleigh Troxel is the Southeast Missourian Player of the Week.

Troxel, just a sophomore, became the first all-state swimmer the four-year history of the Jackson program by finishing fourth in the 500-yard freestyle at the state swimming meet at the St. Peters Rec Plex.

She finished the final in 5 minutes, 6.00 seconds after swimming a personal best in the preliminaries with a time of 5:04.26.

"The goal coming into state was making it in the top eight, and I was happy with my swim in the prelims," Troxel told the Missourian. "I was also happy with my swim today. I felt great in the water and was proud to get fourth. I want to continue to work, and I have high expectations next year. I want to get as close to winning as I can."

Troxel finished ninth in the same event a year ago, which left her one spot shy of all-state honors.

"Last year was a little disappointing since I came so close to making it to the championship swim," Troxel said. "But I worked hard and was in better shape this year and it was easier having been there once before. I knew where to go and what to do."