Swimming ace plans to be physical therapist

She swims year round and has been working her way up to the college level. She said she "fell in love" with the University of North Texas. Connelly said of her passion for swimming, "I love helping others with the same goals and with lessons … to love it as much as I do."

NAME: Courtney Connelly

AGE: 18

GRADE: 12

SCHOOL: Pope John XXIII High School, Katy; Cypress resident

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Signed letter of intent to swim for University of North Texas; Student Council president; National Honor Society member

SWIMMING AWARDS: Six-time state individual champion; relay state champion; three-time all-state selection; three-event TAPPS record holder; academic all-state; member of two-time state runner-up PJ23 girls' team; 2012 PJ23 girls' state champions

FAVORITE CLASS: Politics. "I really like to debate and talk about current events.  My family's always been in politics, so I've always enjoyed it."

FAVORITE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY: "Sleep and eat a lot when not swimming."

FAVORITE WEBSITE: www.pinterest.com

FAVORITE TV SHOW: "The Voice" and "Duck Dynasty"

FAVORITE MOVIE: "Finding Nemo"

AMBITION: "I want to be a physical therapist for those who have physical disabilities and make a difference, to help others with needs -- I want to help fix people."

PASSION: "The simple things -- family, God my faith. But I really, truly find my passion with helping others with special needs. That's where my gifts come out and what I'm really passionate about."