Thunderstorms, changes in coaching staff, and Hurricane Ian were all things that the swim team had to overcome in order to have a successful season – and they did.

The season began with the loss of their new coach, which meant that both Coach Kevin Roberts and Coach Alyssa Treibets were asked to step back into positions that they had handed over at the end of last season. “I came in late again, because of the new coach leaving so we got started a little late. I told the kids to have fun, that the more work you put into it, the more you will get out of it,” said Roberts.

One of the downsides of having an outdoor sport is working around the unpredictable weather. Many meets were canceled due to weather and the day Hurricane Ian hit Florida, the swim team was supposed to have a meet. “It’s very frustrating to have our meets canceled because of the weather. This affects our team by not being able to show our all at the meet and having to show it at practice instead. The meet is a different environment for the swimmers and without being able to have meets, the swimmers have a harder time getting used to this environment,” said sophomore Samantha Roberts.

At a recent meet at the Rosen Center, the swim team was able to compete together for the first time after the hurricane. “I think the meet was fun for everyone and it was a great experience. A lot of people got personal records and everyone was so happy and supportive of each other,” said senior Keira Roudabush