This past season the girls’ swim and dive team has worked to rebuild after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the program. Head coach Jean Fedak and swimmers alike are proud of the significant improvements the team has made in comparison to last year, ending with a 6-5 overall record. 

“Two years ago, our girls’ team of over 20 swimmers and divers was reduced to only four seniors and then they all graduated,” Fedak said via email. “Last year, we began to rebuild with a core of nine freshmen and sophomore girls. Small teams like those cannot win a meet. So when 12 girls joined the team this year, we knew there was hope.”  

Despite past challenges, the team was able to start off strong and carry that momentum with them throughout the season. 

“The absolute highlight of the season had to be the first meet against Wachusett, when our girls’ team won their first dual meet after two seasons of 1-10 [records],” Fedak said. “We knew our girls’ team was on the way back and did not have to rely on a co-ed meet to rack up wins, as happened in the previous two seasons.” 

Sophomore Tiara Ramesh joined the team her freshman year and credited the teams’ recent improvements to the stronger bonds formed between swimmers. 

“I think last year since [the swimmers] were all brand new, came from different friend groups and did not see each other much at school, we did not talk to each other much,” Ramesh said. “I feel like this year we all got to know each other a lot more and we have gotten closer. We also have pasta parties and a lot of us are returning members so we are more comfortable with each other.” 

Sophomore Mina Chung agrees with Ramesh and both emphasize the importance of support within the team. 

“For our relays, swimmers are becoming more and more encouraging,” Chung said. “Overall, we are more supportive of each other and understand the fact that one person cannot carry a whole team.” 

The girls’ and boys’ swim and dive teams share a coach, as well as practice and meet times. Fedak recognized the importance of unity between the girls’ and boys’ swim teams. 

“Every swimmer and our diver improved their technique, posting numerous best times and dive scores at meets,” Fedak said. “Both our boys’ and girls’ teams developed a cohesive bond. As their coach, I have always stressed that we are one team that practices together, but competes as a girls’ team and a boys’ team.”

Similar to Fedak, Chung admires her peers’ growth. 

“I feel like everyone is growing in confidence and comfort within the team,” Chung said. “The new people that joined are really committed to the team.” 

The coach also noted athletes that especially stood out this season, including Chung, sophomores Katelyn Huynh, Sofia Millan and Aanya Bandukwala, and freshman Elizabeth Walsh and diver freshman Alexandra Sidhom.

“Mina won the 200 IM and the 100m Butterfly at the league championships,” Fedak said. “At the Central-West Sectional Meet, Mina placed sixth in both the 200 IM and the 100 Breaststroke, while Katelyn placed eighth in the same events and Elizabeth placed ninth in the 200 Free. The 200 Medley Relay [that included Millan, Huynh, Chung and Bandukwala] placed sixteenth, while the 400 Free Relay [that included Walsh, Bandukwala, Millan and Chung] placed twelfth. The energy and enthusiasm of all 12 girls, along with the support for one another were key factors in our success this season.” 

In the recent sectionals competition both Hyunh and Chung swam the 200 IM and the 100 breast. Chung placed sixth in both events with Hyunh placing eighth. In addition, Walsh placed seventh and ninth in her events. 

At the girls’ Division I State Championships on Feb. 17, Chung placed seventh in the 200 yard IM and fifth in the 100 yard Breaststroke. Huynh placed 21st in both the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke.

Fedak is optimistic about the team’s future.

“Next year, the team is hoping to continue adding more girls to the roster, to return to the powerhouse the team once was,” Fedak said. “We have the talent; we just need the depth behind our strength. We are always looking for new talent. If you love to swim or dive, come talk to me.”