The Mayde Creek High School swim program is entering a new chapter as veteran coach Wes Woodruff launches a four-year plan to rebuild, refocus and reenergize the team. At the center of that transformation is junior swimmer Chloe Halbot, a driven student-athlete whose leadership in the classroom, on campus and in the pool is helping shape the future of swimming for the Rams.

Halbot is the athlete Woodruff calls “the perfect fit” for a program primed for growth. A versatile competitor, honors student and campus leader, she embodies the culture of grit and perseverance that Mayde Creek aims to build. Halbot began swimming at eight years old, but her determination to swim competitively intensified when she reached high school.

“Over the past few years, especially after my freshman season, I grew a huge passion for swim,” Halbot said. “I dedicated so much time to it, and I love the feeling of touching the wall and seeing how my work pays off."

That feeling was undeniable early this season when Halbot dropped six seconds from her 100-backstroke time.

“I got out of the water and felt like I was on a high,” she said. “It reminded me why I love this sport.”

A Leader in the Pool and Across Campus

Halbot’s impact extends past the poolside, as she lends her voice and steady presence to teammates during tough swim meets.

“I always remind them that one moment does not define you,” she said. “If you need support, I’m here. Our coaches are here. We grow through every challenge.”

When a co-captain stepped down earlier this year, Halbot worked with Woodruff to identify a replacement. She encouraged a teammate to take on the role despite his doubts.

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“That was when I realized I had a real impact,” she said. “My voice mattered and could help someone believe in themself.”

Assistant Coach Gonzalo Lombard said Halbot’s leadership emerged quickly and naturally.

“She is a leader by nature,” Lombard said. “She encourages teammates before meets and offers feedback after races. She stepped up when our seniors graduated and embraced the responsibility without hesitation.”

Woodruff, with 25 years of experience, recognized Halbot’s potential impact the moment he met the team. Woodruff and Lombard are working on a multiyear plan to return Mayde Creek to regional competition. They say Halbot brings the right mindset for a program in transition.

“Chloe understands that real change takes time,” Lombard said. “She may not see the final results before she graduates, but she is committed to being part of the foundation.”

Excellence in Every Corner of Campus

Halbot is a standout in the classroom as well. She is enrolled in dual credit English and U.S. History along with AP Physics and AP Precalculus. She is also a choir officer, a member of student council’s leadership committee and a member of the principal’s leadership group.

“Above all, I am a student-athlete,” Halbot said. “My performance in the classroom comes first. If I can’t pass, I can’t compete.”

Halbot hopes to study optometry one day, inspired by an eye doctor who helped her build confidence when she struggled with her eyesight as a child.

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Inspired by Service and Family

Halbot credits much of her success to her family, especially her mother, who works in public school education.

“My mom inspires me every day,” Halbot said. “She works with so much dedication, and she pushes me to give my best in everything I do.”

She also feels a responsibility to set an example for her two younger sisters, who will attend Mayde Creek in the coming years.

“I want to leave a legacy of positivity and inclusiveness,” she said. “I want future swimmers to feel the same love and support I’ve felt here.”

Source: Katy ISD