Dana Posthuma | Age 17 | Burke
From an early age, it was clear that Burke High School’s own Dana Posthuma had a love for swimming, an interest shared by her two sisters, Tasha and Kelli. The family’s interest in the sport propelled Dana to begin competing at the age of 10, later becoming a member of the Greater Omaha Aquatics, Inc. Leopard Sharks (GOAL), a competitive swim team that provides professional coaching for ambitious youth swimmers.
Posthuma’s early competitive experience prepared her well for high school swimming where she burst onto the scene as a freshman. That year, she notched a 2nd place finish in the 500-yard freestyle and a 3rd place finish in the 200-yard individual medley at the Metro Conference Meet, going on to capture a 5th place finish in the 500-yard freestyle at the Nebraska State Meet. All were notable results for her first year with the Bulldogs.
Last year during her sophomore campaign, Posthuma continued to impress, bringing home 4th place finishes in both the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle at the Metro Conference Meet. She went on to win 5th and 6th place finishes at the Nebraska State Meet in the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard individual medley, respectfully.
In 2013, while competing with the Leopard Sharks, Posthuma brought home first place medals from the Midwestern Division Championship Meet in both the 100-yard butterfly short and long course events. With these qualifying times, she was invited to compete at the Minneapolis Grand Prix Meet, which is one of the largest national swim competitions that include current Olympians and international competitors. In the toughest competition to date, she was able to place in the top 25 in both the 100 and 200-yard butterfly events.
Now working toward this year’s state meet as a junior, Posthuma is off to a tremendous start, shattering the meet, pool and Burke High School records while winning the 100-yard butterfly at the Metro Conference Meet. She also finished 2nd in the
200-yard individual medley, again breaking the Burke High record.
Dana is the daughter of David and Audrey Posthuma of Omaha. She has two sisters: Tasha, 19, who was a 2012 Metro Conference Champion; and Kelli, 14, who is also a competitive swimmer. In addition to swimming, she is also a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers at Christ Community Church in Omaha.
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