Swimmers know that championships aren’t won on race day. They’re built through years of preparation, countless hours of practice, and small adjustments made along the way.
Cassandra Genz believes songwriting works the same way.
The 20-year-old swimmer from Boca Raton, Florida, has spent the past 12 years chasing excellence in the pool while writing music that tells her story. For Cassandra, the connection between swimming and songwriting feels natural.
“Swimming and songwriting are both very detail-oriented processes,” said the swimmer/singer/songwriter, who has been a member of Boca Raton Swim Team since she was eight years old. “In the weeks leading up to a big meet, you start taper. Songwriting is very similar. I hyper-focus on cutting any unnecessary or wordy lines.”
“Another big part of both swimming and songwriting involves getting over mental blocks and trusting your gut,” she said. “When you’re behind the blocks on race day, you have to trust your training and know you have the technique. Now it’s time to just swim fast.”
That same trust is essential in music as well.
“Sometimes I get in my own head thinking, ‘Will anyone really relate to this?’ or ‘Is the hook catchy enough?’ Overanalyzing can cause writer’s block, so I like to get the raw lyrics down first and know I can always revise later.”
By following this process, she has now released three original singles, which are available on all streaming platforms: (click links to listen.)
Chronically Online by Cassandra Genz
The Only Girl That Mattered by Cassandra Genz
Can We Travel Back by Cassandra Genz
Her newest release represents an especially meaningful achievement, as she has personally created every aspect. “Chronically Online is a completely self-done project,” she said. “From the songwriting, to the production, to the cover art.”
The Sound of a Dream Coming True
For Cassandra, championship season has always been one of her favorite parts of swimming.
“I always say putting on a tech suit makes you feel like a superhero,” she said.
But that superhero feeling is about more than just the suit. It is the intersection of preparation, passion and performance.
Last month, while competing at the Fort Lauderdale Summer Classic, Cassandra experienced a moment she never could have imagined:
The meet announcer played her newest single, Chronically Online, over the speakers at the iconic Hall of Fame pool.
Over the years, meets at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center were among Cassandra’s favorites because they offered the chance to watch some of the world’s best swimmers race in the same pool where she has chased her own dreams. In 2025, she watched Gretchen Walsh set a world record in the 100 butterfly at the Pro Swim Series. The following day, she participated in a swim clinic with Regan Smith and Kate Douglass, two athletes she has always admired.
Cassandra Genz with Regan Smith and Kate Douglass at a 2025 swim clinic in Fort Lauderdale.
The same pool where Cassandra grew up watching her swimming heroes compete became the place where her own voice was amplified.
“Hearing my song Chronically Online being played at the Swimming Hall of Fame pool in Fort Lauderdale was the most amazing feeling,” she said. “The pool has always been such a special place to me, so hearing my song played there meant the world to me.”
And then came another surprise. A group of swimmers approached her to ask for her autograph.
“It made the moment even more surreal,” she said. “That was the first autograph I’ve ever given.”
Cassandra’s music journey has continued to open new doors. Her first two singles, The Only Girl That Mattered and Can We Travel Back, have received radio play, and she performed Can We Travel Back live at the South Florida Fair. Through each experience, Cassandra has discovered the same joy of connecting with others through her music.
Discipline and Dual Dreams
Swimming has shaped far more than Cassandra’s performances in the water. It has influenced the way she leads, learns, and creates.
During her high school career at Boca Raton Community High School, Cassandra competed at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championship meet as part of her school’s medley relay, and served as team captain during the 2023-2024 school year.
Leadership became one of the biggest lessons swimming gave her.
“I thrive as a leader and love being able to help my teammates when they need me,” she said.
That same dedication carried into the classroom, where Cassandra attended Florida Atlantic University on a full scholarship. In May, she graduated Magna Cum Laude, completing her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship in just two years.
Poised and Prepared
This past weekend, Cassandra returned to the blocks at Florida Gold Coast Swimming’s Senior Championships, where she competed in the 50, 100 and 200 breaststroke, as well as the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke.
Whether she’s In the pool or in the recording studio, Cassandra’s approach is the same. Prepare with purpose. Trust the process. And let your performance speak for itself.
Follow Cassandra Genz on Instagram and TikTok: @cassandragenz1
YouTube: @CassandraGenz
All Photos Courtesy of Cassandra Genz.
Listen on Spotify:
Gave her a listen & follow! very talented swimmer! Beisel is also on spotify under “Elisabeth Lyon Beisel” with some very atmospheric instrumentals! who else in the swim scene is on spotify?
Eugene Godsoe! And the Litherland triplets under “TRiiiPSS”
Thank you for listening I appreciate it!