Accomplished local swimmer signs with Macalester College

Saffron Hinz plans to swim her favorite stroke, the backstroke, during her time at Macalester, as well as the freestyle.

The Vashon Community Pool hosted a “signing day” celebration in March, as Vashon High School senior Saffron Hinz signed her letter of commitment to swim for Macalester College, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Hinz began her swimming journey at the age of seven, when cousin Olivia Gomez encouraged her to join a recreational team in Longmont, Colorado. Two years later, Saffron’s family moved to the Pacific Northwest, where her competitive side began to emerge. The rest is history.

Hailing from the Vashon Seals Swim Team, Hinz has often been referred to as a “Pool Rat” by head coach Randy Turner, considering how much time she spends in and around the water. She not only serves as the Seals captain, but also as an assistant coach to the team. Throw lead lifeguard and swim instructor into the mix, and it becomes clear why the moniker has stuck.

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Hinz has been swimming for coach Turner and the Seals for nearly seven years and considers the squad her family.

“We are always the loudest team, even though we have the fewest members,” she said. It is this close-knit culture of community that drew her attention toward Macalester.

“The Mac coach reached out to me and I started learning more about the school and their team,” she said. “I signed up for a recruitment weekend, and the more I saw how their team works, and how connected they were to one another, it really felt like the Seals. It felt right to choose Mac.”

Hinz plans to swim her favorite stroke, the backstroke, during her time at Macalester, as well as the freestyle. When asked about her favorite memories while swimming on Vashon she said, “Highlights for me were every meet where we were cheering for whoever was swimming, and one of the officials looking at us because we were so loud!”

Hinz encourages younger athletes to pace themselves.

“Don’t feel like you have to continue your sport in college,” she said. “If you put too much pressure on yourself, it will take away the fun of it.”

She also suggests focusing on mentorship, and passing on what you’ve learned to others as you progress. Hinz credits her success to hard work and the supportive environment of the Seals swim team.

“I hope every athlete has a coach Randy in their life,” she said.