Just Keep Swimming

Emily Freelund, Staff Writer

In the first couple weeks of the season, Crimson Swim Team already had some exciting wins. One stand-out victory was the 200 Free Relay against Villa Walsh where Reagan Waters, ‘20, Amelia Hawkins, ‘20, Jenna Smith, ‘22, and Margot Armstrong, ‘20, made an exhilarating comeback, placing first overall in the relay.

While the team lost several key seniors from last year, the captains and other upperclassmen have taken up leadership roles, creating a smooth transition into this season. Coach Meredith Locasto and Captains Waters, Armstrong, and Matt Ellerthorpe, ‘20, promote a fun and positive atmosphere for the program. Members of the team always support and encourage one another, whether working with someone on a stroke they are struggling with, cheering on a teammate during a meet, or simply being there for your teammates to talk to.  Kate Wenzel, ‘22, a returning member of the swim team, says her favorite part about being on the team is “hanging out in the locker room, jamming out to music during practice, and just generally hanging out with my teammates.”

The swim team also promotes a safe environment where swimmers are encouraged to take risks and try new things without the fear of making mistakes or letting others down. Sydney Strollo, ‘21, a new member of the team, says she is “looking forward to the opportunity to swim fly in a meet.” New and returning members of the program swim new events every meet, and are supported by their teammates when doing so.

In addition to new leaders, there is a significant amount of new talent on the team, especially in some of the freshman boys, such as Matt Dixter, ‘23, Colin Faraher, ‘23, and Charlie Gibbs, ‘23. These freshmen, as well as some returning members of the team, including Zach Rempell ‘22, Grace Corteil, ‘22, Isabel Thierman, ‘21, Josie Ashton, ‘22, Anika Buch, ‘20, and Ashley Chen, ‘20, had a great season.