When asked to describe his swimming style, De Anza freshman Kevin Zondervan replies with two words: “Adrenaline junkie.” And with an undefeated record this season in the 50 free, it seems the breakaway sprinter’s unique approach is working: Zondervan’s coaches think he has a shot at the California state title. Zondervan has been successful in swimming since high school, where he earned team MVP honors and invites to interstate all-star meets through his amateur club. “Kevin is a very intense, very competitive athlete,” according to assistant coach of men’s swimming Jerry Koch. “He doesn’t like to lose.” But despite his competitive spirit, medals and honors don’t mean everything to Zondervan. He believes his greatest achievement in the sport has been the many friends he’s been able to meet, both in competition and by traveling. That’s also why he’s enjoyed himself so much this season at De Anza: “Everyone on the team really gets along. We’re a small, friendly group.” Surprisingly, Zondervan only began swimming in his freshman year of high school, following in the footsteps of his older brother, a water polo player at Pioneer High. Kevin, too, plays both sports. “The sprinting I do in water polo helps me out in swimming, and swimming helps me out with my endurance for water polo.” Outside of swimming and water polo, Zondervan also gets his adrenalin fix from competitive BMX, and just recently he picked up mountain bike racing, as well. Somewhat ironically for a swimmer, he hopes to complete a degree in fire science, get his paramedics’ certificate, and continue on to a career as a fireman. When asked about the possibility of swimming at the next level, Zondervan says he’d love the opportunity, but if it doesn’t come up, that’s okay, “I’ve had my fun.”

Stats:Birthday: July 26, 1988Hometown: San Jose, CAEvent: 50m freestyleDream school: University of Pacific or Cal PolyFavorite athlete: Tony Azevedo, Team USA water polo player