“We have a great season record so far of 3-1, only having lost to Falls Church.” Senior Noah Popp said. “One big weakness we have is with attendance, with people having other things going on in their life and not showing up for meets, practices or team dinners.” Popp added.
High School student athletes live difficult lives trying to balance relationships, schoolwork, and sports which can make attending swim meets, practices, and team activities below par.
Junior Ricky Nguyen said, “With things going on outside of school and swimming in my life, attendance is something I still try hard to stay on top of. I understand that people do have events that come up but as the season goes on I hope to see attendance improve.”
One of the major aspects of swimming is cheering on your teammates while you wait for your race. This boosts team morale and is something coaches always look for.
“Some strengths the team has is being there for each other and also cheering on teammates.” Said Popp.
Swim is also a very personal sport as each race you are trying to beat your own personal record.
Junior James Chilton, a leading member of the team said, “I feel that I have improved a lot throughout the season, and got much faster.”
Now that the season is coming closer towards the post regular season events, new leaders have stopped up.
Junior Anna Fitzgerald said, “This season has taught me how to be a leader and how to communicate well with my peers. I also learned how to show respect to others and make everyone feel included and heard.”
The team overall has witnessed a lot of growth individually which boosts the teams morale and makes it a rich thriving environment.
“I think the biggest strength our team has is that we are very spirited and work hard.” Chilton said.
Looking past the regular season, states and beyond is around the corner for many swimmers. This is where all of the hardwork and determination comes down to.
Nguyen said, “I look forward to the postseason events I think our team will perform well I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish.”
The reputation of the team requires swimmers to work hard in the off season as well in order to see such great success during the winter season.
Popp said, “The work I put in outside of Atoms swim is the main factor in my prosperity on the team. I think this goes for many of the swimmers here at Annandale.”
Fitzgerald said, “This year the team has been able to grow tremendously because we support each other at every meet and practice.”
Many members of the team get together and have team bonding events such as dinners which allow the team to be a family.
“We hold events like team dinners to really be able to bond with each other. Through this, the team has turned into a family because we are able to trust each other no matter what.”
Nguyen said, “I think team bonding is a key aspect as to why the team succeeds so well as we become closer to each other through these events.”
Overall through team bonding, hard work in the off season, and determination, the team is able to succeed and grow. The swimmers are looking forward to having another amazing year in the state’s events. They hope to bring back some new awards and shatter some old records. Stay tuned for future meets @atomsswimdive. Go cheer on the Atoms.