The sound of water splashing, the smell of chlorine wafting through the air, teammates yelling encouraging words, this is how he spends his winter. Tennis balls hitting the court, shoes tapping across the ground, the crisp spring air blowing across his face, this is how he spends his spring. Dive into the life of senior Eddie Hamann.
Eddie Hamann has been swimming for about 10 years but he didn’t start here at East. He started swimming when he was younger and eventually joined a swimming club which got him to where he is now. His experience led him to being the only state qualifier for swimming. His experience going to state was fun other than his butt hurting from sitting for so long waiting for his event to come up. He was a little bit nervous but overall had a great time.
“I was a little [nervous], right before my race but it went by pretty fast. I’m fast,” Hamann said.
Eddie Hamann also does two other sports here at East, tennis and golf.
Eddie Hamann has two younger siblings, a brother who is currently a freshman in high school and a sister who is in sixth grade. His siblings also participate in sports at their respective schools. His brother plays lacrosse and his sister plays softball.
“My brother plays lacrosse… my sister does softball and I think she could go to D1 by the time she is in high school,” Eddie Hamann said.
When he’s not competing, his hobbies consist of watching YouTube on his bed, practicing sports, and Pokémon, which he hopes is considered a hobby.
Eddie Hamann’s swimming coach, Erinesa Lowe, has been coaching him for the three years he has attended East. Over these years, she has watched him become not only a confident swimmer, but a confident leader. He started as shy and reserved but as time went on, he became a perfect leader and found his voice.
“Once he decided that he wanted to be really good, he worked hard and was determined to make that happen. If all athletes at East would put in the effort to get better each day, the way he has, we would have mountains of success. Eddie has become a great athlete and his hard working, positive attitude makes it fun to coach him,” Lowe said.
He helps anyone who needs it and never questions it. Hamann works hard every day in each of his sports and it shows. His growth and determination has led Hamann to be the amazing person he is today.

After high school, Hamann plans on attending Coe College and majoring in either anesthesiologist, athletic trainer, or broadcasting. When he was younger, Hamann wanted to be a physical education teacher.
“…I like I don’t know why I wanted to be a teacher, but like I wanted to stay active, but I like I was hyper as we all were, I think,” Eddie Hamann said.
Eddie Hamann has learned lots over the years but he has also taught people many things like perseverance, resilience, and kindness.
“He’s taught me the importance of resilience and kindness. He reminds me that no matter what obstacles you face, you can either let them break you or let them build you up. His ability to take challenges in stride, treat people with empathy, and stay true to himself is something we can all learn from. And if nothing else, I’ve definitely learned to lock up my snacks when he’s around,” Melinda Hamann said.