Owensboro’s Addison Callis has been a Lady Devil for a long time but that part of her life comes to an end this month when she graduates from OHS but her impact on the swimming program as the school will be noticed for years to come.
It’s her drive and leadership that makes Callis this year’s Owensboro Times Female Co-Swimmer of the Year as she shares the honor with teammate Abby Warren.
“I’ve been a member of the OHS swim team since I was a 7th grader and have had the opportunity to develop relationships with the coaches in our area,” she said. “I was very appreciative that they recognized me as the city-county swimmer of the year.”
Callis finished in the top six in all four of her events during her final regional meet as she competed in the 200-yard medley relay (3rd), 200-yard freestyle relay (3rd), 100-yard breaststroke (5th) and 200-yard IM (6th).
Callis said her favorite regional memory is also her favorite moment as a high school swimmer as she broke Lady Devil records her sophomore season.
“My absolute favorite moment was when my teammates and I broke the 200 yard medley relay Region 2 and OHS records in 2019,” she said.
Despite her solid finishes at this year’s regional meet, Callis said she knows it wasn’t a typical season as a whole.
“With our season being postponed multiple times, it made me realize how much I missed a normal swim season,” she said.
When someone swims for as long as Callis has, they have multiple coaches that have helped them every step of the way.
Callis said she’s been lucky with the coaches she’s had.
“I’ve had wonderful coaches throughout the years with the Owensboro Marlins and OHS, but my mom, who refereed almost all of my swim meets, was always my biggest supporter,” she said.
When she looks back on her career and all of her memories, it’s those thoughts that become her advice for younger athletes.
Callis said it’s not always easy but if one puts in the time, it’ll be worth it.
“My advice for a younger athlete is to stick with it no matter how hard it gets because you truly make some of your greatest memories,” she said.
When Callis walks across the stage at Rash Stadium, her career as a Lady Devil will come to an end but it’ll take a long time for her to forget what she’ll miss the most.
“It was very hard saying goodbye to the sport I’ve loved for so many years,” she said. “I’m certainly going to miss competing with my teammates the most.”
