Special to the Town Crier
When Los Altos Hills resident Kathy Liccardo first introduced her daughter, Teresa, to synchronized swimming, she had no inkling of what the future would hold.
Four years later, Kathy can only observe in awe as 15-year-old Teresa competes in the United States Open in St. Peters, Mo., this week for a spot on the Junior National Team.
"I think she has a good chance to make the team," said Kathy, who has supported her daughter throughout her participation in the sport.
Teresa's recent success supports her mother's statement. Teresa recently came back from the Baquacil Age Group Championships at the University of Florida, where she won the solo gold medal in the 14-15 age division.
The Gunn High sophomore also took first place in the duet with partner Ashley Rule, a teammate on the Santa Clara Aquamaids.
Teresa and the other members of the Aquamaids train 25 hours a week, year round, often arriving home from practice as late as 9 p.m. on school nights.
"It is a tremendous commitment," Kathy said, "but she must enjoy it, or she would stop."