by Jake Boese |

Going into the season, the girls’ swim team had a tall task trying to maintain their success from last year. With fewer swimmers this year and the loss of five state qualifying team members from last year, the pressure of this season weighed heavily on the leaders to keep the success going from last year.
With fewer swimmers this year than last, returning swimmers have had a big part in the team’s success.
“We returned a very solid group of girls that have led the way this year. We also got several new girls who have become a big part of our varsity team,” Coach Chris Murphy said.
The team did something they had not done for a while this year.
“For the first time in years, we voted on team captains.  I think this helped the new girls learn what it takes to be a high school swimmer.  A lot of girls had only been on a summer team, if any team at all.  The captains and other returning swimmers have done a good job helping bring the new swimmers up to speed,” Murphy said.
The captains have played a major role in this team’s success.
“The leaders are Abby [Donaldson], Laurel [Shoger], Katherine [Kuhlmann], and myself. We are the captains.  The captains were elected this year, it gives the younger swimmers someone to look up to,” senior Alanna Raymond said.
The leaders on the team help the younger swimmers find their own success.
“It’s nice to have seniors to look up to, they are always there for you,” sophomore Brooke Popejoy said.
Having a tight knit group also helps keep the team successful.
“We have a really good bond, we push each other and we have gotten much closer throughout the year,” Popejoy said.
“I didn’t expect to be as good this year since five state girls left. We did well because we are dedicated and motivated. I am extremely proud as a team and with individuals because it is and individual and team sport,” Raymond said.
Coach Murphy has been more than satisfied with the team’s progress.
“I think we are a little better overall than people thought we were going to be.  I knew we would be pretty good but we already have one school record in a relay and we are working towards getting another.  A lot of girls worked really hard in the off-season and it has paid off in the pool this year,” Murphy said.
The girls hope to improve this already successful season at state on the weekend of February 18.
“We are seeded third in state in 400 relay and we hope to keep that or even improve that at state,” Popejoy said.