With significant talent, strength, camaraderie, and leadership, the swimming and diving team looks stronger moving into their first meet against Episcopal Academy.
“I think we’re looking pretty good. We’ve got a lot of good swimmers and a lot of good talent on the team that’s going to grow,” Fifth Former Ezra Walters said. “Right now, some standout guys are Conor Kirby, who is looking really good; Jack Grimley is also looking really good; and Liam Jones, who, as a freshman, is looking great.”
Not only does the team have strong athletes, but it also has a strong sense of brotherhood and camaraderie.
“Swimming’s not super fun. So if you have a good team sphere and team camaraderie, it makes it a lot easier. And you feel a lot better when you’re doing it, because you know you’re doing it with guys you like to hang out with,” Walters said.
The team’s philosophy is not just to win, but also to put everyone in their strengths.
“I think the overall vibe of the team is getting to where you want to be, and swimming to your strengths and not swimming to what the team needs, and more of what you want to do and what you are strongest in,” Walters said.
The team’s competition and community ultimately make athletes stronger.
“In meets, there is lots of energy from your teammates who cheer you on, and when you are in the practice lanes, and you are placed with faster guys, it motivates you to push harder,” Walters said.
The team’s goal has not changed.
“Swimming is an individual sport. So we all need to improve for the team to do well. As I said earlier, we’re focusing a lot on individual talents and skills this year, but that is conducive to the team’s success.” – Ezra Walters ’27
“Our overall goal this season is about getting better by swimming, beating our opponents, and having the drive to win,” Walters said.
The team is supported by its coaches, who help with strengthening athletes and coordinating practices.
“The coaching staff has had a tremendous impact on us. We have [assistant coach] Hunter Gillin, who helps with our lifts and gets us stronger. Then we have [Head coach] Sean Hansen, who builds the practices. Additionally, we got a former graduate, Antonio Octaviano [’20]—he’s a really good coach. He kind of knows what it’s like to be on the team, so he understands us and how to help us improve,” Walters said.
Walters believes that consistency is key to success in swimming.
“The sport is not very fun, but sticking with it and showing up to practice is the best way to know where you want to be and get there, and it is how you really improve,” Walters said. “Swimming is an individual sport. So we all need to improve for the team to do well. As I said earlier, we’re focusing a lot on individual talents and skills this year, but that is conducive to the team’s success.”
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