A Swimmer’s Resolve

East Ridge High School junior Logan Havermann is a two-time defending State Champion in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Breaststroke and a two-time state record holder. But those titles only tell part of her story.

Logan’s journey in the pool began early, joining club teams at age seven, though she didn’t compete for a Minnesota State High School League team until her freshman year.

“I used to do gymnastics and ice skating, actually,” Logan says. “I’ve found I prefer the concrete nature of racing and swim has been an excellent way for me to scratch that itch.”

Participating in the swim team has taught her as much about life as it has about competition. “Swimming has taught me skills that I use outside of the pool,” she reflects. “It’s a mentally challenging sport. You have to pick yourself up, show up consistently and push through discomfort.”

That resilience shows up in every race. At this year’s state meet, her grit and determination were visible from start to finish, proof that champions are built long before they ever touch the wall. It’s a quality her coach, Jay Gillard, sees every day.

“Logan shares her generational talent, grit, and unbridled positivity with our team,” says Gillard. “No one works harder or has more fun doing it. She takes direction and makes everyone around her better.”

Outside of swimming, Logan is an avid fantasy reader and enjoys time with family and friends. The sport has also connected her with a wide community of peers, both locally and nationally.

“I’ve made so many friends while competing,” she says. “We’ve made like a little hype squad, we cheer each other on.”

Recently, Logan competed at the US Junior Nationals in Austin, Texas, with her club team, the South East Metro Sharks (SEMS). Her mindset in high-pressure moments remains straightforward: “Don’t overthink it. When something isn’t going great, don’t worry too much. Just keep going.”

As she looks ahead to joining the University of Louisville swim team, Logan is bringing more than records. She carries the discipline to show up, the resilience to bounce back and a mindset that sees every tough challenge not as a setback, but as a chance to grow.

“It has been so fun and rewarding to watch her excel—breaking school and state records over the past two years,” says ERHS Activities Director Sara Palodichuk. “We are incredibly proud of her achievements and the example she sets for her teammates, school and community.”