Year after year, WA Swim and Dive has continued to impress with its dominance in the pool, and this year’s state championship at Boston University was no exception.

On February 25, the girls’ team took home their sixth consecutive Division 1 State Swim and Dive Championship, and the boys ended their season in second place. The teams’ diligent efforts and strong camaraderie have culminated in a successful season, both in and out of the pool. 

“I am so proud of the team. The girls had a lot of pressure to defend their title, with a year gap due to COVID in between. The boys also had an incredible season. They were seeded fourth going into the state meet but peaked at the right time,” Head Coach Caitlin Klick-McHugh said.

This year, the boys’ team was made up of fifteen qualifying swimmers, while the girls’ team was comprised of ten. Both teams found their way to the top, with the girls totaling 286 points and placing first, ahead of Concord-Carlisle and Lincoln-Sudbury. In addition, the boys placed in the top five in various events, earning 197 points; they were ultimately outscored by St. John’s Prep’s 266 total points.

Behind the consistent wins is a shared dedication to the sport among each individual. Many members pursue other sports to cross-train or commit to club swimming during the summer. A number of swimmers have been enthusiastic about the sport since childhood, with Klick-McHugh also co-coaching an outdoor swim club during the swimmer.

“[Our] strength is how hard-working our team is. Everyone puts in their all at practice and outside of the season when most of our team does club swim or cross-trains with other sports,” swim captain Vivian Aeder said.

To add on, accompanying the team’s tireless practices, is a positive attitude geared at growth and improvement. Despite losing several key players after graduation last year, and having to bounce back after a season shaped by COVID, the team’s willpower has not faltered.

“Our team is extremely motivated. Whether it’s a practice, a meet, or a spags, everyone is focused on getting better. I think it’s extremely important and amazing that we are so motivated because it fosters a great environment for wanting to do better and helping the team,” swim captain Kate Edison said.

Beyond the endless effort and skill necessary for achievement, the team’s bonds behind the scenes also drove for success this season, as coach Christin Monaghan points out.

“They worked very hard in the pool but they also worked hard to be an inclusive group and value each other. I love to see how the upperclassmen work with the underclassmen to show them the ropes and set a good example,” Monaghan said.

With fewer COVID-19 regulations, this year was also much closer to a typical season, lifting team spirits and allowing for in-person competition, According to Edison, last year’s season hardly resembled a swim season at all, with its virtual competition and limited time together with teammates.

This year, the group set out to make the most of their season. And whether it came in the form of team dinners and sleepovers, or fundraisers and carpools, the team’s strong bonds shined as the season progressed.

“I think our team cherished all of our times together even more. We cheered on our teammates every chance we got at the meets. It was easy for us to make the most of this year and squeeze every ounce of fun and competition out of everyone,” Edison said.

Agreeing with Edison are swim captains Vivian Aeder and Thomas McKenna, who found that the team’s heightened sense of community allowed both teams to come out on top.

“Swimming is no easy sport, and we have each other when the times get tough,” McKenna said. “The bonds that have been created between each of the athletes promote competitiveness, which has allowed us to succeed.”

And while each individual contributes great effort and commitment, Aeder notes that it’s the familial nature of the team that brings the talents together in a supportive, inclusive, and growth-driven environment.

“Swim season is filled with such fun memories because you are surrounded by people who have grown to be some of your closest friends and I just hope that the team continues to stay so connected,” Aeder said. “It was so nice to cheer and race this year. It brought our team closer and made meets more fun and competitive [than last year].”

Above all, the swim team looks forward to continuing its legacy of success and continuing to grow as a team for the next season.

“Over the years, the WASD team has certainly built a tradition of excellence that inspires younger swimmers. The team has a lot of spirits and drive for continued success,” Monaghan said. “The coaching staff is very proud of what they accomplished this season and look forward to next season.