Despite swimming only being offered at the high school for two years, these athletes made a career for themselves and made amazing memories along the way. These four swimmers graduate this year and reflect on their time with the co-operative team.
Maryanne McNally
“I swam competitively for eight years before this, but I lost my love for the sport due to the bad atmosphere. High school swim team has allowed me to reignite my love for the sport. This team is full of support and love, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls. I’ve loved watching people try new things and grow as both athletes and people. I would 100% recommend the swim team to anyone and everyone. Even if you can’t really swim, or are scared, it is so worth it. I’m so incredibly grateful for this experience and I’ve grown to love each of my teammates.”
Nora Ide
“Swim team has been one of the best parts of my high school experience. I am so grateful I get to be surrounded with girls who all want to push each other to be amazing both in the pool and out. The relationships I made are ones that I hope last for a long time. Swimming is such a great form of exercise and was such a great way to stay active. I hope that I was able to be an encouraging person to all those in swim and that everyone enjoyed their season as much as I did. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to end off my swimming career with.”
Kenadee Staab
“Even though this is my first year of swimming, it has already helped me grow so much as a person. I never would have guessed that I’d be able to achieve what I have so far. It’s shown me my potential in ways I didn’t know were possible. The challenges I’ve faced in the pool have taught me to push myself beyond my limits, and every small improvement feels like a big victory. Through this sport, I’ve learned that progress doesn’t always come easily, but it’s always worth the effort. Swimming has given me a new sense of confidence, not just in the water, but in my ability to tackle any challenge that comes my way. It’s a reminder that growth often happens outside of my comfort zone, and that’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward. This journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. Looking back, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned in such a short time, and I can’t wait to see how much further I can go. Swimming has truly opened my eyes to what I’m capable of.”
Olivia Tarvin
“Ever since I was young, I loved swimming. Being in the water and having fun with family and friends was always my favorite thing about summer. After teaching the lifesaving merit badge, I knew that I wanted to swim. I waited and prayed that the school would magically have a swim team, and I’m so grateful that my wishes came true. OzPaLouSpri has been such an important part of my life even in the two years that I’ve been a part of it. The relationships that I’ve made with girls from our school, and those from the other schools, mean so much to me. Swim has been so much fun, and I can’t imagine my life without the people I’ve met. I am so grateful for my coaches and teammates; I love them all so much. I hope that anyone who wants to swim does it. It’s such an amazing environment to be a part of.”
