TAMPA, Fla. — Bella Dieffenthaller is described by her coaches as a student of her sport. 

“‘Student of the Game,’ as they call it. She lives it, sleeps it, eats it, trains it,” Academy of the Holy Names’ swim head coach Bill Shaffer said.

What You Need To Know

  • Bella Dieffenthaller won two individual golds and a relay gold to help Academy of the Holy names' swim team win back-to-back state titles 

  • Dieffenthaller won the 50 yard and 100 yard freestyle for the second year in a row. She also holds the school record in both

  •  Her future goals include swimming in college

Before sunrise, Dieffenthaller starts her day at 5 a.m. in the pool and ends it practicing after sunset.

“There’s three morning practices a week, and that’s doubles,” Bella said. “So in the morning, and at night. It definitely gets hard to manage both swimming and school sometimes.”

She dedicates 20 hours per week to swimming and it has shown with her results.

Shaffer says Dieffenthaller is a rare combination of talent and work ethic. 

“She’s really breaking through the last couple years and continually breaking her own school records in the 50 and 100 freestyle,” Shaffer said. “Becoming All-American was a big step forward, making international cuts.”

Dieffenthaller won the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle for the second year in a row, as well as helping the Academy of the Holy Names win its second straight state title.

She won two individual golds and a relay gold to help her team win it all.

She also holds the school record in both. 

“It’s something you can’t describe and it’s something I’ll always remember,” Dieffenthaller said. “This high school team, the girls — it’s really great and when we’re all really successful at states, it definitely is the cherry on top.”

Right now, she’s navigating recruitment. 

Dieffenthaller plans to swim in college and aspires to go to the Olympics.

Coach Shaffer said she’s one of the few who has what it takes to turn those dreams into reality.

“You know, putting in the hours and everything, the dedication. I know it will be worth it in the end,” he said.

And although jumping in the pool early in the morning and in the evening can be tough, Dieffenthaller wouldn’t change it for the world.

“It’s amazing that I get the chance to do this sport and be at the level that I am and get to swim at these amazing meets and the chance to stand on the podium. So, it’s something I’ll always be grateful for,” she said.