Swimming to Success

This year an amazing swimmer at Henry Ford II High School achieved unbelievable success at the MHSAA D2 State Championships at Oakland University on March 15th. At this championship, senior Maximus Dexter won first in the 50-yard freestyle event and second in the 100-yard freestyle event. Dexter has been the first state champion at Henry Ford II since the 1980’s.  

This swimmer has shown his team at Henry Ford II how much they can achieve as a member of this swim and dive program. The championship success of their teammate has shown swimmers how to achieve individually and as a team. 

“The time that I realized that I had the potential to become a state champion was when I set a goal for myself after my sophomore year state championship meet,” senior Dexter said. “Throughout my swimming journey, my dad always motivated me to be better and he worked hard to understand how to help me with swimming. Sadly, he passed away last May, but I was still able to achieve my State Champion title for him.” 

Dexter has been swimming for the past 13 years and was influenced to start with by his brother Nate. Dexter said he developed a strong mindset where he developed confidence through training and hard work.  

During his sophomore year, Dexter developed tendinitis in both shoulders and underwent physical therapy. Regardless, his coach said he came each day ready to work hard, achieve his goals, and lead his team to success. 

“Seeing Max win, the state title left me with overwhelming pride and validation. Max has worked so hard and pushed through so many mental barriers and has trusted me to help him achieve his ultimate goals in his high school swimming career – winning a state title and swimming (under 21 seconds),” said coach Austin Bateman.  “I’m most proud of the leader Max has become. Instead of standing at the top and looking down, Max tries to pull his teammates up. He set aside his goals to help his team achieve at higher levels. Max is not just a leader, by example, but he is a true leader that understands his role to further the team’s success.” 

 With this amazing accomplishment under his belt, Dexter has committed to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where he will continue his swimming career.  

“This sport has proved to me that hard work does pay off and with dedication anything is possible,” said senior Dexter.     

 -By Natalie Rubel