When school starts, some students have to make the hard decisions of picking between two sports due to them being in the same season. However, freshman Ryan Lipski made the difficult decision of choosing to do two sports at once. 

“I balance it through scheduling. I am very fortunate to be able to do both for this long, and am grateful to all that have helped me continue to do what I love. Balance is something that has come at costs such as enjoyment and free time,” Lipski reflects.

These costs have created a few struggles for Lipski, but he has persevered through them.

“There have been many times that I have stopped enjoying what I do and have almost quit, but I’ve pushed myself and made it through,” Lipski explains. 

Lipski has been swimming for as long as he can remember and he never regrets doing it. 

“While I have had my down points, swimming has done so much good for me and I could never be as thankful as I am for swimming,” Lipski said.

Although this freshman has been balancing two sports, it has not stopped him from adding his name to the list of school records.

Since swim season started, Lipski has beat three school records. The three he beat are the 500 free, 200 IM, and the 200 medley relay. Not only that, he also has state consideration times for almost every event.

“I am motivated by the people I swim with and my coaches. They all push me to do my best,” Lipski said. 

Lipski loves trying his best to grow and become a stronger swimmer even when it’s hard.

Swim Coach Hannah Kerr tells about what she sees for Lipskis future on this team, “For his future I would say he could help lead the team towards a GACs win as well as place at state several times during his time at Liberty.”

“I like to say the competition is your best friend, although in swimming you race the clock for a personal best time more than you do the people around you,” Lipski explains.

Lipski’s main goal is to get an Olympic Trial cut by 2028.

“When presented with a tough practice, Lipski will complete it to the best of his ability because he knows that it will be the difference in dropping time in his individual but also his relay splits.” Coach Kerr says.

He also plays center defense for soccer. 

“Soccer is a very fun sport that I have done forever and loved for a long time. I feel very compelled to continue soccer, however I do prefer swimming more, but I would be fine with playing in a rec team,” he said. 

Lipski has won many awards for soccer and has even traveled all across the midwest to play tournaments.

He has no definite goal right now for soccer. Although, he hopes to just help his team keep winning.

“The high school season has taught me many things such as to keep doing what I want. I have to prove to people that I can do it without faltering,” Lipski said. 

This freshman has never been more grateful to choose to do two sports this year.

“I have made many friends while doing both swimming and soccer and while I do know that I will have to make a decision between the two at some point, I know that whichever one I choose, I will enjoy what I am doing,” Lipski states.

Although he has to make a decision between swimming and soccer at some point, Ryan Lipski will always have left an impact on this school.