Natalie Genz was shocked when she heard her name announced as the Colorado Springs Metro League Swimmer of the Year. 

The senior from Class 4A Liberty’s team received the honor Thursday in a stacked field that included several talented 5A Pine Creek swimmers. The recognition was full of emotion for The Classical Academy senior who competes for the Lancers. 

“I was really surprised because I was thinking it’s a possibility, but wasn’t counting on it because so many other good swimmers were nominated,” Genz said. “I was not expecting my name at all, it was crazy.”

Liberty placed third at the 2026 CSML championships behind Pine Creek and Rampart. Genz’s accolade was made sweeter by a personal best of two minutes, 5.61 seconds in the 200-yard freestyle. 

“Our league meet is really fast, we have some of the top swimmers in the state in Colorado Springs,” Liberty coach Rachel Holm said. “She consistently tries to put herself in those heats so she can reach those times and keep up with those girls. It’s cool to see her push through the 200 and stuck up with them.”

The sprint specialist joined the Lancers as a sophomore and made an immediate impact with her talent from years of competitive swimming. This season, Genz has 20 first-place finishes and has cut time in the 100 butterfly, and 50 and 200 freestyle.

She joined the team knowing one person, but the whole team quickly became like family. 

“I would say my closest friends are from here,” Genz said. “I’ve grown a lot, not just in time, but in the way I’ve been able to work as a team in such an individual sport. I remember sophomore year, I was super quiet and didn’t want to bond with people or anything. I’ve grown so much and have been able to bond with people better.” 

This week’s Gazette Preps Peak Performer swam on summer swim teams most of her life, but switched to year-round swimming after her freshman year, a move that led to state appearances the past three years in the 100 and 200 freestyle. 

Genz will be competing in the 100 and 200 free, as well as 200 and 400 free relays, at state this week in Thornton. 

“It’s pretty incredible because when you see someone competing at that level, they’ve been swimming year-round their whole life, but Natalie came in as more of a natural talent who really focused on the fundamentals and technique,” Holm said. “She built on her endurance throughout her first high school season, and we have seen insane gains in speed, endurance and technique over the years, and it’s really paid off.”

Although quiet at first, Holm says Genz has broken out of her shell and become a leader, especially to newcomers or quiet swimmers like she was herself. Over the years, Genz has played a large part in creating a close-knit team by helping organize bonding events like pasta parties before meets. 

“She has become one of our leaders on the team both by action and how hard she trains, but also by her constant cheering and support,” Holm said. “That is so crucial to have on a high school team.”

A competitive person, Genz looks forward to a competitive state meet, as well as more team bonding with people she has grown close with the past three years. State has held her favorite memories while competing as a Lancer. 

Genz says it will be hard to leave, but is grateful for the growth she has had. 

“She has always seen the potential and been willing to do the work and make the changes,” Holm said. “She was not always confident, but the personal best (Saturday) was one of those times she surprised herself and getting this award on top of that really made for an excellent way for her to wrap up her swimming career.”