In the aquatic world, swimming and diving come out on top as the pinnacle of human agility and grace. Whether streamlining through the water or executing balletic dives from the diving board, these athletes are at the top when it comes to aerobic work. At Haverford, swimming has had a long history of dominance, aided by the strength of the water polo team and Head Coach and Aquatics Director Sean Hansen. Coach Hansen has had a historic run at the mantle with a record of 106-33 and Inter-Ac championships galore.
Swimming for many at Haverford has been more than a sports credit. It builds a lifestyle of self-regimentation and grit, instilled through their grueling morning and after-school swims.
“Being a member of the swim team has been one of my favorite high school experiences,” Fifth Former Mason Millard said. “From the moment I first joined the team freshman year, I felt like I have been surrounded by people who will support me. The team makes a difficult sport fun. The coaching staff always has the door open for the team to come talk with them about anything. I am extremely grateful to be a member of the swim team.”
The constant, physically draining practices can provide challenges though: as those competing are students first, above anything else. It can be a real skill when knowing how to effectively manage both lives in a prosperous way, and for many, it can take years to learn.
Fifth Former Ben McDade offers his way of structuring his time.
“I balance everything by becoming good at using my time efficiently,” McDade said. “What helps me is doing as much homework as possible in my free periods and during school, so I have time for my other athletic commitments after school. One challenge is sleep, which I never feel like I get enough of during the school year, but winter break should help with that.”
“Eight practices a week is not easy, but we go in every day with that underdog mentality and truly the sky’s the limit this year.”
Eddie Kohn ’24
It would be safe to say that McDade is not alone in his feelings and strategies in maximizing his time to get work done. The swimmers’ commitment to the sport is one of the strongest at the school because they all share a common goal.
Sixth Former Eddie Kohn, a leader in and out of the pool for the team, outlined the team’s intentions.
“Our goal is to win,” Kohn said. “We want to win the Inter-Ac and win Easterns. Haverford has won the Inter-Ac twice and Easterns once. This year, the Inter-Ac is about revenge and taking back what is ours. The boys we got this year are grinders. Eight practices a week is not easy, but we go in every day with that underdog mentality and truly the sky’s the limit this year. Overall, we’re gonna handle business and trust the process.”
The team has something to prove this year, as they do every year, even if they are the champs, there is a mindset in these guys that would be hard to find elsewhere on campus. There is an underlying determination within each of these young men that they carry with them in and out of the pool every day, that is what Haverford swimming and diving is all about.
