January 21, 2026 — Competitive swimmers typically measure a season in seconds, splits, and qualifying times. However, for Isabella Parrenas, a distance swimmer at Harrison High School, one of her most meaningful swims this school year had nothing to do with medals or podiums. Instead, she swam a 5K in lake water, motivated solely to raise funds and awareness for a great cause.
“It's important to acknowledge that things are bigger than yourself,” Isabella explained, “and it feels good to know that I can use swimming for something greater than myself.”
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A Swim With Purpose
Already successful as a multi-year state-qualifier on the Hoyas Swim Team, Isabella took her talents outside of the aquatic center this past September by participating in a Swim Across America (SAA) open swim at Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia. The event raised $495,000 to support pediatric cancer research. Isabella personally helped raise over $1,500 of that amount as one of the 600+ participants. This selfless act reflects both Isabella’s dedication as a student-athlete and her commitment to serving others.
Swim Across America’s mission is “to award grants to innovative cancer research, clinical trials, detection, and patient programs through charity swims that unite communities in the fight against cancer.” Isabella is passionate about this mission not only because it allows her to use her talents as a charitable gift, but also because it provides her with an opportunity to honor extended family members who have survived the disease.
“I've had a lot of people in my family deal with cancer,” the high school junior said. “So, it's a cause that I want to put my effort and time towards, and Swim Across America is a great way to educate people about how they can help.”
Harrison Swim Team coach Carey Ward is not surprised by Isabella’s desire to go the extra mile — or in this case, swim an extra three miles — to help others.
“Isabella’s character has always been special,” Coach Ward shared. “As coaches, we expect our student-athletes to do more and be more for their community, their team, and themselves. Isabella is such a great example of what we want other student-athletes to aim for — not just to understand the expectations, but to excel at them.”
More Than a Finish Time
Isabella has clearly excelled in community service and in the pool for her team as well. Last year, as a sophomore, she made the Cobb Swim Coaches Association All-County Swim Team and qualified for the state swim meet. This season, she has already qualified for state in multiple events. Coach Ward calls her “vital” to their team’s success. Yet, when asked about her favorite memory from her time as a member of the Harrison Swim Team, Isabella recalled a moment from poolside.
“I wasn't swimming,” she said, smiling, “but our relay was in a really close race. It was really fun seeing everyone get out of their seats on the side of the pool, cheering for Harrison, and then seeing them win the race.”
It says something special that her favorite memory is cheering on others.
Isabella’s mom, Deidra Parrenas, is a sixth-grade science teacher at Pearson Middle School, and she’s thankful for the encouragement and guidance that Isabella has received throughout her Cobb Schools education. She credits Isabella’s mentors and other role models for helping her daughter step out as a young leader.
“Never underestimate your ability to make a positive difference in someone else’s life,” Mrs. Parrenas said, reflecting on what she would want others to take away from Isabella’s experience. Yet her words could apply to influential educators as well. “Everyone has the ability to show compassion and empathy for others, whether you know them personally or not. You never know how far your compassion will reach and may not realize the impact or influence you have on someone else’s life.”
Isabella’s impact has been felt in the pool and beyond the pool deck. She is making waves in the individual 200-meter and 500-meter freestyle events and believes she can help Harrison win a state title in the 400-meter freestyle relay. However, where she’d really like to create a ripple effect is in using her talents to help others more deeply. That is the kind of impact a stopwatch cannot capture.
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