SPORTS: Compete to Repeat

Girls swim and dive looks to defend as reigning state champs

Starting her dive, junior Mallory Qualseth jumps off the diving board. Although it has a competitive aspect to it, Qualseth has found that diving competitions are often much more fun than aggressive, “You always want to help out because our scores contribute to the overall score,” Qualseth said. “But, everyone’s just really nice and not super competitive.”Photo by Eleanor Roust

Thomas Patton
April 11, 2023

Girls swim and dive has started this year’s season as a heavy favorite to repeat as state champions.

“I’m really excited to compete for back to back state championships,” junior Liza Engelbrecht said. “We have many new swimmers, so I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”

Last season ended with an impressive showing in the state competition. At least one firebird swimmer finished top eight in each event, resulting in a state championship. This season, each swimmer has identified individual goals to strive for, but the main goal for the team is very clear: to repeat as state champions.

“A lot of the girls are looking at times already and saying their goal is to medal at state and league, and to contribute to the team as much as possible,” coach Annette McDonald said. “But, of course the team goal is to repeat as state champs.”

Despite the loss of six seniors last year, most of the heavy contributors to that state championship run have returned. Seniors Bradie Ward, Halle McCullough, Samantha Packard and junior Liza Engelbrecht round out the core of high finishers in state events. They have taken ownership of the lead role in the program and are helping to build up both new and returning swimmers.

“We call on our senior leadership for everything,” McDonald said. “We use them as examples for new swimmers learning a new strategy or technique to help them improve.”

After winning first place, the girls Swim and Dive team hold up medals in excitement. Sophomore Jocelyn Wilson, who placed 6th in the 200 Yard Individual Medley, has her sights set on next season and hopes to make it to state again. “We have bonded as a team and set out our goals for the season,” Wilson said. “[We] have our sights set on winning state.” Photo submitted by Free State Swim & Dive

To reach such high goals, support and encouragement is needed. The team feeds off of positive energy and encouragement from each other, which pushes them to work hard and reach their goals. Swim season is demanding given the amount of practice time that is required, so the encouragement each swimmer contributes helps to elevate their goals.

“I just want everyone to do their best and feel confident in the times they are putting up, and to feel like they accomplished something good this season,” senior Olivia Romero said.

Swim practice began on Feb. 27 and the chance to become back-to-back championships grows closer each day.