• Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Timberland Regional Library
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Search
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      green spaces along the roads in Jubilee

      Getting Outdoors and Living in Hawks Prairie

      Pacific ninebark flower close-up

      SW Washington Native Plants to Add to Your Garden

      The Thurston County Developmental Disabilities Coalition booth with people at it at the Yelm Community Resources Fair

      Yelm Community Schools Breaks Barriers and Promotes Access to Essential Services…

      Margaret McKenny, left, is shown during a radio broadcast, black and white photo

      Olympia and Tumwater School Names are a Nod to Thurston County…

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      prosciutto on a white tray

      Find the Perfect Balance of Healthy and Delicious with Catering and…

      close up of a white and pink zinnia with a purple center

      Conversation with an Olympia Artist: Back to Forest Photography

      The Beauties of Bourbon Revealed at Cynara Restaurant & Lounge

      Headless Mumby owner Alex Maffeo and his daughter standing in the distillery

      Lagers are for Lovers: Olympia’s Headless Mumby Brewing Serves Up Lagers,…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Timberland Regional Library
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business

      Celebrating Women’s History Month with OlyFed

      Patient Describes Lung Cancer Journey as ‘Easy’ Thanks to Providence’s Multidisciplinary…

      Boggs Inspection Services Tech going up into an attic on a drop down ladder

      Boggs Inspection Services on How to Spot a Skilled Home Inspector

      r. Peterson smiling with three other people around a mountain bike

      Celebrating the Career and Impact of OlyOrtho’s Dr. William Peterson

  • History
    • Margaret McKenny, left, is shown during a radio broadcast, black and white photo

      Olympia and Tumwater School Names are a Nod to Thurston County…

      Historic postcard in shades of green with a couple in a mule care with the words, 'A bit of o'blarney. St. Patrick's Day in the Morning.'

      Olympia History: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Turn of the…

      Olympia’s Great Depression Resort: Palm Grove Mini-Golf

      black and white photo of Odd Fellows Hall in Olympia

      Olympia’s Black History: The Life of William Williams

      KGY radio building on Port of Olympia Property in 1975

      Home is Where You Hang Your Hat: Beloved Radio Station KGY…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • Dolly Parton sharing a book with three kids

      Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Comes to Thurston and Mason Counties Thanks…

      a bunch of Thurston County Food Project green bags overflowing with food

      Food, Friends, Fun: Create Heartfelt Connections through the Thurston County Food…

      solar panels on the roof of the Coastal Community Action Program building

      Resilient Growth Keeps Coastal Community Action Program Giving Back

      Mission Nonprofit Spotlight: BrenRose Foundation

      two people talking at a picnic table with tents in the background

      Find New Pathways Home with the Coastal Community Action Program

  • LocalTalk
    • Mark Steepy headshot

      Thurston Economic Development Council Welcomes New Board President

      Nathan Miller and Catelin King standing in front of the Pope John Paul HIgh School sign with a crucifix on the wall to the left of Nathan.

      Pope John Paul II High School Seniors Earn $200,000+ Air Force…

      Latte in a white cup on a brown counter

      Dancing Goats Coffee Announces B Corp Certification

      Joint animal services

      Joint Animal Services Closed Due to Sewer Repair

      Thurston County Scenic Olympia Capital

      Thurston County Agriculture Zoning Update: Community Informational Meetings

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      a rooster on a table with kids and parents around it

      Join Yelm’s First 4-H Club: Nerd Herd

      Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club exercise room with rows of exercise bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, etc.

      Achieve Health and Wellness at Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club’s Brand-New…

      bag of popcorn sitting on the armrest of a reclining seat at Cinemark Theatres

      It’s an Experience: See What You’ve Been Missing at Cinemark Theatres

      women with weights sitting on balance boards in a fitness class at Athena

      Olympia Gym, Athena Fitness and Wellness, Gets Strong and Builds Community

  • Events
    • Skerryvore performing on stage

      Scottish Band Skerryvore Is Set To Take the Stage at the…

      Los Lobos band standing in the desert at sunset

      The Washington Center for the Performing Arts Presents Los Lobos with…

      Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood, black and white

      Take a Trip Back in Time With the Washington Center for…

      2023 Easter Egg Hunts in Olympia and Throughout Thurston County

      group photo of SPSCC students and staff at the Clipper Scramble

      Year-Round Community Events Help Support Student Success at South Puget Sound…

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
Home High School Sports Tumwater’s Kylie Otton Uses Her Athletic Talent in the Swimming Pool

Tumwater’s Kylie Otton Uses Her Athletic Talent in the Swimming Pool

By
Gail Wood
tumwater swimming kylie otton
Tumwater’s Kylie Otton excels in the pool and the classroom.

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More

 

By Gail Wood

tumwater auto spaBecause of her last name, Kylie Otton is part of local sports royalty.

Her grandfather, Sid Otton, is the winningest football coach in state history and has coached at Tumwater High School since 1974. Her dad, Tim Otton, played college football at Weber State and now coaches the linemen on the Thunderbirds’ football team. Her uncle, Brad, played quarterback at USC and led the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory. Her aunt, Tana Otton, is the volleyball coach at Tumwater. Kylie has cousins playing football and volleyball in college.

The Otton legacy is rich. Her name has been an incentive, a pep talk to always try hard.

“Even as a young girl, it’s always been ‘never give up,’” Kylie said, quoting a long-time motto for the Thunderbird football team. “My family is really talented athletically.”

But growing up, Otton wasn’t sure where her sports niche was. Volleyball and soccer didn’t click for her.

“They said Kylie wasn’t that athletic,” said Laurel Smith, Tumwater High School’s longtime swim coach.

But, with the help of Smith, Kylie found swimming. It turns out she’s part fish. Kylie, now a senior, has qualified for state every season since her freshman year. Last year, she went to state in the 100-yard butterfly, the 50 freestyle and the 200 medley relay. With true Otton passion, Kylie is hoping to break the school record in the 100 butterfly.

tumwater swimming kaylie otton
Tumwater’s Kylie Otton excels in the pool and the classroom.

“The record is 59 seconds and I’m at 1:05 right now,” Kylie said. “I feel like if I get my kick together, I’ll be able to make it.”

Kylie isn’t just dreaming about that record, wishing it might come true. Kylie, and teammate and friend, Nicole Howard, recently began two-a-day workouts. The duo will be in the pool at the Valley Athletic Club at 5:30 a.m., getting in a one-hour workout before school. Then after school they’ll head to practice for another workout.

“Kylie is one of my hardest workers by far,” Smith said. “She knows that what you put into it is what you get out of it. She puts in the time.”

Otton’s get-it-done approach in meets and practice is infectious.

“Kylie certainly pushes herself,” Nicole said. “That causes me to push myself, too.”

Like Kylie, Nicole has the ability to give a gutsy, push-the-pedal-to-metal effort. Last year, the day before the district meet, Nicole was diagnosed with pneumonia. But that didn’t keep her out of the pool or even out of school.

“I went to school every day with pneumonia so I could go to practice,” Nicole recalled.

The day before districts, Nicole had a 102-degree temperature and she still showed up for practice. And Smith sent her home.

“But I showed up for districts still feeling horrible, full of antibiotics and an inhaler,” Nicole said. “I pushed myself. Kylie pushed me.”

Amazingly, Nicole made it through districts and went to state with pneumonia.

“I had an awesome time even though the circumstances weren’t good,” Nicole said, flashing a wide grin.

Smith didn’t have any other options with her determined swimmer.

“I know Nicole well enough to know that she was coming no matter what,” Smith said with a smile.

In response to her coach’s comment, Nicole said, “Oh yeah, you couldn’t keep me away.”

tumwater swimming
As coach Laurel Smith (pictured center in green) begins her 21st season at head coach, Tumwater is loaded with promising talent again this year.

Kylie isn’t just focused on swimming, forgetting about grades. She’s the true definition of student athlete. She has a 3.9 GPA, getting one B in high school.

“I had a B in Algebra 2,” Kylie said with a grimace. “That was it. That was the lowest grade I’ve ever gotten.”

Like Kayle, Nicole’s focus isn’t the pool. Oh, she’s committed to swimming – she qualified for state in the 100 breaststroke, the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay last season. But she’s not single minded. Swimming doesn’t eclipse school. An A-student, Nicole, who is a junior, wants to become a nurse to travel as a missionary overseas.

“It’s because I love my God and I want to serve people,” Nicole said when asked why she wants to become a missionary.

Smith, who became Tumwater’s coach in 1991, is excited and optimistic about this year’s team. With 27 turning out, Smith has some talented depth. But unfortunately, she doesn’t have a pool. Construction at River Ridge High School, where Smith’s team swims, isn’t finished and the T-Birds are pool-less.

“It’s tough,” Smith said. “We’re hoping the construction gets done soon.”

Under Smith, Tumwater has had a successful record, sending someone to state every year she’s coached the Thunderbirds.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleThrifty Thurston Finds a Slice of Solitude in Burfoot Park
Next articlePopular Pink T-Shirt Brings Awareness to Breast Cancer
Gail Wood

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Olympia and Capital high schools' dance teams group photo at Nationals

The Dance Teams at Capital High School and Olympia High School Both Break the Top Ten at National Competition

Olympia High School Boys Place Second, Tumwater Boys Fourth at 2023 WIAA Hardwood Classic

River Ridge High School Cheer Team group photo

River Ridge Cheer Win State Championship

Upcoming Events

Mar
22
Wed
all-day WDFW approves 10 days of coastal... @ Check Website for Open Beaches and Low Tides
WDFW approves 10 days of coastal... @ Check Website for Open Beaches and Low Tides
Mar 22 all-day
WDFW approves 10 days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Friday, March 17, tentative dates announced for April OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging[...]
11:30 am South Sound Connections @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club
South Sound Connections @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club
Mar 22 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
South Sound Connections @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club
We welcome our Chamber members and guests to join South Sound Connections for a fun and educational networking group. This will be a great opportunity to brand your business, meet business professionals, and learn how[...]
Mar
23
Thu
all-day WDFW approves 10 days of coastal... @ Check Website for Open Beaches and Low Tides
WDFW approves 10 days of coastal... @ Check Website for Open Beaches and Low Tides
Mar 23 all-day
WDFW approves 10 days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Friday, March 17, tentative dates announced for April OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging[...]
12:00 am Register now for Free Tax Prepar... @ AARP Foundation Tax Aide
Register now for Free Tax Prepar... @ AARP Foundation Tax Aide
Mar 23 @ 12:00 am – 12:00 am
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation services in Thurston County starting February 1, 2023. For an appointment, call 360-474-3869 and leave a message. Or make your own appointment at https://taxaidewa20.org/online/. Or walk into one[...]
7:45 am The IN TEAM Business to Business... @ Ebony and Ivory Coffee House
The IN TEAM Business to Business... @ Ebony and Ivory Coffee House
Mar 23 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Our Mission – To connect businesses and people through intentional relationships. The IN TEAM is an Intentionally Networking membership based group that is focused on a culture of intentionally building relationships, community, connections, referring business,[...]
View Calendar

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Celebrating Women’s History Month with OlyFed

Women’s History Month has only officially existed since 1981 but at Olympia Federal Savings, they’ve been recognizing strong, capable, hardworking women...

Patient Describes Lung Cancer Journey as ‘Easy’ Thanks to Providence’s Multidisciplinary...

Boggs Inspection Services Tech going up into an attic on a drop down ladder

Boggs Inspection Services on How to Spot a Skilled Home Inspector

r. Peterson smiling with three other people around a mountain bike

Celebrating the Career and Impact of OlyOrtho’s Dr. William Peterson

Elliott Hahn of Bigfoot Pest Management standing by his truck

Bigfoot Pest Management in Olympia Customizes Its Local Services to Fit...

Trending Now

Dolly Parton sharing a book with three kids

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Comes to Thurston and Mason Counties Thanks...

Maggie Bean in jeans a fire house shirt standing by a vintage fire truck

People in Public Service: Teacher and Fire Fighter Maggie Bean Inducted...

women with weights sitting on balance boards in a fitness class at Athena

Olympia Gym, Athena Fitness and Wellness, Gets Strong and Builds Community

Editor Picks

Dolly Parton sharing a book with three kids

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Comes to Thurston and Mason Counties Thanks...

bag of popcorn sitting on the armrest of a reclining seat at Cinemark Theatres

It’s an Experience: See What You’ve Been Missing at Cinemark Theatres

a bunch of Thurston County Food Project green bags overflowing with food

Food, Friends, Fun: Create Heartfelt Connections through the Thurston County Food...

Recent Posts

  • Join Yelm’s First 4-H Club: Nerd Herd
  • Celebrating Women’s History Month with OlyFed
  • Scottish Band Skerryvore Is Set To Take the Stage at the Washington Center for Performing Arts
  • Patient Describes Lung Cancer Journey as ‘Easy’ Thanks to Providence’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Team
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Comes to Thurston and Mason Counties Thanks to the Child Care Action Council
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap
Edit with Live CSS
Save
Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete.