ESTERO'S DUBRASKY LOOKING TO GO OUT ON TOP

ESTERO — When Palmetto Ridge's Haley Fournier led a 500-yard freestyle race last week, it appeared an upset was brewing in the waters at

Florida Gulf Coast University's pool.

After all, the girl in second place was Estero's Molly DuBrasky, a three-time state champion who has captured the past two 500 free state titles in Class 2A.

Late in the race, the tide turned as DuBrasky accelerated into a higher gear with a powerful, yet seemingly effortless propulsion. The Wildcat senior sped past Fournier and won the event by two seconds.

"That's Molly playing," said Estero coach Jen Seluk. "She's a senior and we know how seniors go. It's the last hurrah. She's having fun playing in the dual meets."

When higher stakes are involved, the only female swimmer to win a state title in Estero history isn't as playful.

"She has a fight in her and a heart like a lion," Seluk said.

That's one reason DuBrasky has roared to the victory lane so often. In addition to three state championships, DuBrasky's resume includes four regional titles. In fact, she's been strong off the block since her freshman year, having never finished lower than second in a district or regional race.

It's no surprise that Division I colleges are eying DuBrasky. Her recruiting trip itinerary so far includes Indiana and Florida State.

Before she graduates from Estero, DuBrasky would like to duplicate last year's double win at the state finals.

"I would love to go to states and win. I'm hoping I can repeat," she said. "I hope there's not any really fast, little kids coming up that could beat me."

DuBrasky, whose club coach with the Gulf Coast Swim Team is Seluk's father, Don Henshaw, will likely try to retain her titles in the same events -- the 200 and 500 frees -- but the door is open if she wants to try something else.

"She can always change her mind and I'll support her with whatever she wants to pick. It's her decision," Seluk said.

If DuBrasky returns to the state finals in November, she hopes to have company on the trip.

The additions of Barron Collier transfer Katelyn Lawson -- who finished fifth behind DuBrasky in last year's 500 state final -- and a strong freshman class have bolstered the team.

"I think we'll have a really good relay this year, which is exciting because when I first joined the team we barely had enough people for two relays," DuBrasky said.

No matter what happens, the conclusion of this season will bring an end to an impressive run by the DuBrasky family at Estero. DuBrasky's older brother, Tayler, won a state title as a senior two years ago.

When the 2011 season arrives, the Wildcats will have to cope with a DuBrasky-less program for the first time in six years, something that Seluk doesn't want to think about right now.

"I'm going to sit and cry buckets full. I wish I could have 10 of them," she said.

Estero High junior Molly DuBrasky wears the two state championship medals she won at the Class 2A finals on Nov. 12 in Orlando. DuBrasky successfully defended her state title in the 500 yard freestyle and won the 200 yard freestyle in a dead-heat finish with Lincoln High sophomore Alex Merritt. Contributed Photo