READY. As freshman Sophie Campbell steps up to the block and prepares for her race, her teammates watch. “Encouragement is huge on our team. We cheer on each other during practices and meets all the time,” Campbell said.

SUPPORT. The head swim coach encourages her swimmers to support one another and strive to achieve personal record times. “We encourage each other… even when we are disappointed with results. Everyone supports everyone,” said Emma Allen, 9.

START. Campbell has been swimming for eight years and specializes in breaststroke and freestyle. “It is such an honor to be on Varsity. My teammates and I have grown super close, especially since we do team bonding. The upperclassmen have definitely invited us freshmen onto the team with open hearts and energetic personalities,” Campbell said.

TEAM. The whole team cheers as a teammate races to the finish. “I love how unified the team is and how you know the team is there for you. As a freshman, I felt relieved coming into Varsity because all the girls were so nice. None of them treated me as if I was below them,” Allen said.

SENIORS. At their recent Senior Night, the team recognizes the dedication of their seniors and hopes to live up to their legacy. “Everyone is so nice. We have a lot of laughs and we are still training and getting better. The upperclassmen really made me feel more important and like I could make a difference for the team. I am really going to miss the [seniors] next year… we have all grown so close,” said Marissa Thorp, 9.

WORK. “There is not one person on the team who doesn’t have a goal and doesn’t give their 110 percent effort in practice. It’s a beautiful thing when so many people come together, and we all respect each other and cherish the memories we are making. During any practice there is always one person yelling, ‘Great job, guys!” or ‘Keep it up!” I’m excited to see people race their hearts out at the end of the season,” said Ania Campbell, 11.

BOND. So far into the season, the Lady Aves Swim Team has hosted many team bonding activities to grow their relationships even more. “I really liked how the coaches made a connection with all of us. Also, the teams are hardworking and want the best for [all their teammates]. It’s a fun atmosphere that helps a team grow and become closer. The upperclassmen definitely took us under their wings,” said Victoria Schwegmann, 9.