This year’s freshman class for girls swimming hit the ground, or more accurately the water, swimming. Ryen Mahoney ‘28 was one of the breakout freshmen this year by being a part of four new school records set in the 200 medley relay, 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 400 freestyle relay. Mahoney is no stranger to competitive swimming because she participates in club swimming as well.

“During the high school season, you get a lot closer to your teammates,” said Mahoney.  “Club is way more competitive, which takes some of the fun out of it. I think that being a club swimmer in the past made it an easier transition from going to high school.”

Another freshman swimmer that broke out this year is Sadie Skiles ‘28, Skiles also competes in club swimming as well, but she found high school swimming to be harder than club swimming.

“It’s[high school swimming] definitely been harder than club,” said Skiles, “You have a shorter amount of time to get ready for meets like states and stuff. The practices are really hard, but I’ve adapted to it, and they’ve helped make me a better swimmer.” 

For the freshmen, a key part of adapting to the high school team was being able to feel that they were a part of the team, in the sense that they were able to make strong connections with teammates in the upper grades. The freshmen attribute team chemistry as a major factor in their success this season.

“My teammates for sure have helped me get to where I am now,“ said Mahoney, “They just challenge me every single day of practice. They strive for me to be a better swimmer and a better person at school. Everyone has pushed me really hard, which is really nice.”

Team chemistry and intersquad healthy competition is something that is developed over time. Skiles and Mahoney contribute team chemistry and intrasquad competition into their experience and success in high school swimming. Captain Sophia Hazzi ‘26 has helped create a culture where freshman swimmers enter a swimming program that is filled with fun, competitiveness, and friendship.

 “I’ve definitely made closer connections with my teammates.” said Mahoney. “I think that going to practice every day and just being on deck at the meets with them is really helpful for me.” 

With new incoming swimmers each year, Hazzi noticed that even more people are interested in joining the girls swimming program and every person helps the team get as many points as possible.

“The amount of girls that we’ve seen join the team this year was exponential,” said Hazzi, “I credit all the new people this year who joined and made the team almost double in size. All of them matter and all of them are helping us get each point, each meet.”

With the performances from the freshmen this year, Hazzi can’t help but to be optimistic about the future of the program.

“I am so pumped, even when I graduate, I want to come around and see how they’re[the team] doing,” said Hazzi. I know that what we’re doing this year and how fast we’re growing is more cohesive than ever. I’m excited to see how far we will go into the future when we get even more new people.”