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.

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

“There’s three morning practices a week, and that’s doubles,” Bella explained. “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.

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. 

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

  •  Bella's future goals include swimming in college. 

Academy of the Holy Names head swim coach Bill Shaffer says Bella 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.”

The junior helped 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. 

Bella won the 50 yard and 100 yard freestyle for the second year in a row. 

She also holds the school record in both. 

“It’s something you can’t describe and it’s something I’ll always remember,” Bella 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. 

Bella’s plan is to swim in college and she also has Olympic aspirations.

Coach Shaffer says 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.”

And although jumping in the pool early in the morning and in the evening can be tough, she 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.”