Heather Harper, a homeschooled junior who swims for Redmond High School, is changing roles this season. She is going from being the hunter to the hunted — and Harper doesn’t mind the change one bit.

Harper burst onto the scene as a sophomore last season, when she won the 100-yard breaststroke title at the Class 4A state meet in a time of 1 minute, 4.60 seconds.

Now for the hard part: A repeat victory.

“I know people will be after me and there are a lot of good swimmers this season, so it will be a challenge. But I’m ready,” she said.

Redmond High coach Julie Barashkoff said she is confident Harper can win another breaststroke state title.

“She’s mentally tough,” Barashkoff said. “She expects herself to win it this year and I wouldn’t underestimate her at all.”

And the added pressure of being the reigning champion will only fuel her fire, Barashkoff said.

“People know about her now and they will be out to get her,” Barashkoff said, “but that’s what she thrives on. She’s loves getting chased, that’s what makes her go faster.”

Harper, looking to become the first back-to-back Redmond High champion since 1997, said she is also shooting for a top-eight finish in the 200 individual medley (IM) and the 100 freestyle.

While Harper will be wearing the Redmond Mustang swim cap when she competes in the pool this fall, she gets her academic school credits from Cedar Park Christian in Bothell. Harper has been homeschooled her whole life and she is currently enrolled in Cedar Park Christian’s independent study program.

Harper said she has thrived as a homeschooled student and enjoys the flexibility she gets from an independent academic schedule.

“I get to sleep in on Fridays,” she said, chuckling. “I get to take naps when I get home from morning practice on Tuesdays, so I definitely enjoy it.”

And when Harper is not sleeping, you can find her training in the pool, either at Redmond High’s Hartman Pool or at the Pro Sports Club in Bellevue.

Harper, who started swimming at age 9, said she has taken only three weeks off in the off-season and is focused to win another state gold medal.

“I definitely want to get that second state title,” she said. “That’s definitely my goal this year.”

REDMOND HIGH GIRLS’ SWIMMING AT A GLANCE

• Head Coach: Julie Barashkoff, 7th year

• Last Year: 7-2 in Kingco 4A; 4th at Sea-King District meet; 3rd at Class 4A state meet.

• 2009 turnout numbers: 36

KEY RETURNERS

• Jr. Heather Harper: Versatile, strong swimmer looks to defend her 100-meter breaststroke state title. Team’s only returning state participant will be a force in the 200 individual medley as well.

• Soph. Allison Binkerd: Another swift, strong swimmer in the breaststroke and IM. She has a good shot at making to the district meet in both events, according to Barashkoff.

• Sr. Sabrina Hsieh: Team captain is a three-time district qualifier. Great all-around swimmer, but her focus will be backstroke and IM this season.

• Sr. Amiee Hood: Hard-working, long-distance swimmer has made great strides and is looking stronger than ever, Barashkoff said.

TOP NEWCOMERS

• Fresh. Kaley French: High-energy swimmer will be used in a variety of races this season with her strengths being in the 200 and 500 freestyle.

• Jr. Christie Lessenden: First-year high school swimmer will be a solid point-getter in the freestyle events.

• Soph. Becca Caniglia: Butterfly specialist has a shot at advancing to district meet.

• Jr. Audrey Aloof: Freestyle swimmer will provide a scoring boost in dual meets.

BIG MEETS

• Tuesday, Sept. 29 vs. Eastlake, 3:30 p.m. at Hartman Pool: It’s always a big meet against Eastlake, Redmond’s archrival.

• Thursday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Oct. 31, Kingco Championships: This meet will be a great measuring stick to see how Redmond’s unproven swimmers have developed throughout the season, Barashkoff said.

QUOTABLE

“Heather and Allison will help win some events, but the younger swimmers will need to focus and continuously step up at the meets. Training is going well and we definitely have some untapped talent that will come into play later on in the season.” — Redmond coach Julie Barashkoff