Student Athlete of the Week: Devi Burnett

Swimmer Devi Burnett emerged from her lane and anxiously looked toward the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center scoreboard, searching for a result she had long strived for.

After falling short the evening prior, the Niwot High School senior had just used her final opportunity to qualify for state in the 100-yard freestyle. She had given it her all but still needed to see something below 53.20 seconds to secure her first-ever individual state qualification.

The look on Burnett's face said it all. Once she found the glowing 53.11 alongside her lane number, the veteran swimmer erupted in pure joy as she processed her accomplishment.

"It was kind of surreal, because I was trying to get the state cut all four years of high school," Burnett said. "I was like, 'Alright, last chance to get it,' and then I got it. I was so happy. It made me so excited."

Burnett's dramatic 100 freestyle performance landed her 16th in the Granite Peaks League championship finals on Saturday, Feb. 1. Although aware of the stakes, she arrived at finals simply looking to enjoy the experience.

"I realized that I can't be in a serious mood before I race," Burnett said. "I just have to be having fun. I was just doing that."

Niwot head coach Ella Thramann was equally as excited to see Burnett's years of hard work lead to success.

"I'm so proud of her," Thramann said. "She really came back this year and put in all the work and effort that she possibly could... She showed up every single day and was a great leader to the girls. She really put in all of her effort in every practice and every meet."

Burnett is also a member of Niwot's state-qualified 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams, which both finished fourth at the GPL championships. Juniors Ava Altenborg and Thalia Milam and freshman Kyrie Moorman round out each squad.

"I love the girls in my relay," Burnett said. "It's so fun to see us going to state again for the second year."

Burnett and her fellow state qualifiers will return to the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton for the Class 4A state championships Feb. 7-8.

"My teammates know that it's okay if you don't do your best, but try your hardest and have fun," Burnett said. "That's what we try to do. We are always goofing around right before and then get in the moment."

The soon-to-be Niwot graduate is currently undecided on her post-high school plans.