Written by Lydia Kettler
When you think of high school sports, swimming isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind; but the girls swim team has proved themselves with an amazing season. They only took one loss this season, but they also ranked first in true team sections, making it to state. The girls have proven that being part of the swim team is different from being part of a regular team, they are a tight knit family like no other, and their constant support of each other and hard work is paying off. The girls swim team is quickly making a name for themselves and they are on a rollercoaster that seemingly only goes up.
Their success hasn't come easily. Behind dominating every team they compete against is hard work and dedication. Kolbe Bachman, a swimmer on the team, says that when prepping for a meet against a big rival, they often train extremely hard the week before and then take it easy a few days before the meet. The team also is resilient in training. During the off season, some run to stay in shape and many do club swim to stay on top of their game.
Their hard work has paid off tremendously, as they have beaten Rosemount, one of their biggest rivals this season. All of their success is not just the outcome of hard work, it comes from the girls’ dedication to their team. When one team member is in the water, the others encourage them, giving whoever is in the water that extra support and push to keep swimming and win the meet.
The meets can be hectic, from warming up, to racing, then to cheering on their team, lots of thing can happen in a few hours, but nothing they can’t handle. “We’re kind of like an extended family” says Lily Kettler, another swimmer on the team. When swimming with the same people for hours every day, they really bond. “There’s always someone to lift you up or motivate you, and it’s always a really positive experience swimming with the team,” adds Kolbe Bachman. The motivation that they give each other pays off in their meets, and makes the team stronger.
