As the holiday break approaches, winter sports are in full swing, including the school’s self-proclaimed “Water Huskies”: the swim and dive team. This group of students has overcome a plethora of challenges throughout the season, yet the group’s determination and morale is limitless. Through unexpected changes in leadership due to coaches having to step down for personal reasons and scheduling issues that arise with the holidays, this year has already been anything but regular. But despite the circumstances, the Flint Hill Swim And Dive team has exemplified their unwavering commitment and grit. The team has had a strong start to the season as the group’s composition of strong characters continues to shine through.
Throughout this season, there has been a change in the coaching staff, and Coaches Ashley Dewolf and Mike Anderson have had to step up and take Coach Sowa’s place during her time of absence. Karan, Who is a junior and captain, told me, “It’s been hard to set morale and be a captain on the team when our strongest leader is currently having to take time off from coaching, but we have continued to blaze the trail.” The team has worked harder than ever to lift spirits, specifically through their bonding events and traditions. One tradition for the team is that throughout the school day leading up to the meet, athletes can visit Coach Anderson’s room and receive “Bark Bags.” Put together by the team moms- bark bags have various snacks and sports drinks for the team to enjoy prior to their races. Another captain and junior, Lucas Bermudez, explained, “The bark bags help us fuel and grow anticipation throughout the school day before our meets, which is really beneficial because with most being in DC, it makes for long days and late nights.”
Another challenge the team must overcome every year is the inconvenience of schedules. With the holidays and New Year’s approaching, most other sports teams can meet throughout the break in order to continue growing their skills and strength. This is not as easy for the swim and dive team as they rely on outside facilities and rec centers that don’t have the same flexibility. While many of their opponents have pools of their own, the huskies must rely on each other to work out individually to make up for lost time. Coach Anderson told me, “While the year-round swimmers on the team will continue training with their clubs, the rest of our athletes can use this time for a balance of needed rest while also taking care of themselves so we don’t lose too much progress coming back in January.” Through both the standard and problems of the year, this team continues to impress in their ability to make waves.
The water Huskies’ strategies for teamwork have proven effective, especially through the end of last season, when the boys won the Mid-Atlantic Conference for Swim and Dive. In celebration, coach Sowa fulfilled her promise made to the team at the beginning of the year by shaving a segment of her hair. Additionally, six athletes were chosen to represent our community at the all-conference. Whether it be beach-themed spirit days, creating goals, enjoying meals, or training together, this team not only performs well but enjoys the time together. The swim and dive team’s adaptations to prepare for the final meets at the end of this season are beginning to shape a prosperous future, adding to their list of accomplishments.
