Featuring a new group of athletes, the girls swim team hopes to maximize its success this season by training as hard as possible.

While swimming is largely based on individual scores, it is still a team sport which requires collaboration and teamwork. Losing many strong seniors from last year, the team will rely on many of its underclassmen and new swimmers to play an important role and contribute this season.

“This year the dynamic is completely different. We have so many people who are coming out for swimming who never have before,” senior captain Carly Beck said. “I’m looking forward to seniors this year and a bunch of the underclassmen stepping up and taking over.”

Many of the girls on last year’s team were close friends, and the new mold of swimmers has been a big change. Winter sports take up a large chunk of the year, and tight relationships often form.

“It’s a little bit different because I was really close to the seniors last year, and I miss them a lot,” sophomore Madison Brown said.

Taking the team’s new makeup into account, the swimmers are looking to figure out their strong suits and use them to their advantage. As well as succeeding in the pool, the girls hope to form another supportive team this season and have a good time.

“I’m looking forward to out-of-town meets, they’re always fun, and bonding with my teammates this year,” junior Jamie Goldberg said.

Unlike previous years, the team is only carrying one diver, which may be a disadvantage since most other teams carry at least two divers.

“Being the only diver can be a challenge,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg is the team’s diver, and while her teammates believe that she is very talented, having fewer divers means fewer opportunities for the team to earn points. Led by Beck and her fellow captain, senior Taylor Burlis, the girls motivate each other to fight through the grind of everyday practice. With a long season ahead of them, it is essential that the team stays determined and focused.

“When we get a hard set to do and people are complaining, I just try and remind them that even though it’s hard right now, in the end it’ll definitely pay off,” Beck said.

Like most teams, the role of an experienced coach is important for the swim team. The girls credit much of their success to their supportive coaches.

“Mrs. Meyer and Ms. Paul are awesome,” Brown said. “When I’m feeling down about my swimming they make me feel better and push me to do my best.”