Although swim and dive isn’t over yet, being the captain is a special value for seniors. “Being captain is really fun for me because I already loved getting to talk to everyone and meet new people on the team, and so now it’s sort of a job we have to do but it’s my favorite,” senior Maren Bell says.
“It’s a good responsibility that we have, we represent the school and the team, and it’s good giving back to the team. I’d say I am also pretty competitive and so that just makes me more hyped,” Bell said.
Friendship is something that everyone looks up to when you continue on doing something. “I love this team and it’s helped me make so many new friends and fun memories,” senior Paulina Hoff says. “Being a captain is super fun because I can help others get that from their experience, and it feels like we’re giving back.” Leading a conversation involves guiding the flow of a discussion about what should be done next.
In the role of captain they would be making decisions for the team, like team bonding activities and organized events as a team. Occasionally with team events they choose who gets outstanding swim and super spirit awards after each meet.
As I get deep into the story, let’s hear from the captains of this year’s swim and dive, Maggie Norberg (Senior), Maren Bell (Senior), Malaina Mirabueno (Senior), and Paulina Hoff (Senior).
“Having a team moment is really important to me and I’m really grateful for all of that,” said Bell. For an hour and a half long practice the swim and dive have different kinds of sets such as a warmup set, main set, and a warm down. For warmups they usually do a 300-yard set and then the main set which can be around 2000 yards. “Each day is different though,” Bell says.
When it comes to competition you have to have your body feeling cool. “Before a race day we will usually do a bit less, or at least we hope we do so that our bodies are not tired for the meet,” Bell says.
The swimmers share lanes with each other “so we get close when the season goes on,” senior Maggie Norberg says.
Despite not being a team sport but an individual sport, they love the support from everyone in the crowd and the swimmers who are not in the water. “Cheering a lot, knowing they are doing their best,” senior Malaina Mirabueno says. That is what makes a moment for the team, you also get to build friendships with other swimmers.
If you ever decide to become a new swimmer, Hoff suggests that you don’t compare yourself to others. “It is important that you are having fun and care for yourself and definitely don’t compare yourself to others.” Becoming a swimmer is being consistent with practicing, that’s how you learn to become a good swimmer, not everyone’s the same and not everyone is perfect. “The only way to get better is doing it over and over again.” Mirabueno says. Just keep on swimming.
