Finding ways to accommodate the recently combined Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, Boys Swimming and Diving Co-Captain Ashton Ma ’24 emphasizes inclusion, focus, and hard work. As a leader and role model, Ma instills familial values and work ethic into the team.
Ma began swimming recreationally around age five, committing seriously to the sport after seven years. He highlights both the mental and physical benefits of swimming.
“It’s mentally challenging, which is a good challenge for me. It’s also a really good workout. It keeps me in shape,” said Ma.
Ma emphasizes the importance of encouragement within Boys Swimming and Diving. While swimming is normally an individual competition, the team balances that by fostering a strong collaborative dynamic.
Ma said, “I really love the team. Swimming is an individual sport, most of the time, but here at Andover, the team is very close, and we support each other a lot.”
Despite a larger roster due to the now combined Junior Varsity and Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving teams, Sean Niu ’25 noted Ma’s commitment to forging connections with every athlete. He commented specifically on one of Ma’s motivational pre-meet rituals.
“He does his best to get to know everybody on the team, and he tries to create a team bond on a personal level with all of his teammates. He’s always willing to give a little pep talk at the end of our practices just to get us ready for meets,” Niu said.
As Co-Captain, Ma shared his guiding principles for being a leader: lending advice and suggestions to help the team improve as a whole. He noted the focus he puts on creating a supportive environment.
“[As Co-Captains we strive for] guidance. I feel like a lot of us [in] the team know what we’re doing, and we’re all focused on training. As captains, we don’t have to worry about that aspect of the sport. We are a close community, so after we merged the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, it’s like one big team,” said Ma.
According to Anthony Myers ’25, Ma is a role model for many swimmers on the team. By intentionally reaching out to each individual athlete, he creates a sense of openness and support.
“I look at Ashton as a leader of the team, he’s definitely trying to reach out to everybody on the squad that we have. He tries to reach out to the lowerclassmen and the upperclassmen as frequently as possible, just making sure that everybody on the team feels welcome and that they feel comfortable competing on a highly competitive team. I can come talk to him and get anything from him,” said Myers.
Niu shared that Ma’s influence on the team has been one that supports genuine community and camaraderie between teammates. He mentioned that his dedication to hard work in particular sets a positive example.
Niu said, “He tries to give us a sense of friendship among teammates. He also likes to instill an honest work ethic in all of us. He’s truly focused on not only bettering himself but bettering the team as well.”
Myers noted Ma’s ability to remain calm, especially before meets, allowing others to do the same. He also shared how Ma’s passion and work ethic set a high standard for the team.
“He definitely brings a laid-back kind of vibe to every practice. He’ll be the first one in the pool. He brings this aura that is calming for everybody, especially in the times before meets,” said Myers.
Ma stated that he focuses on discipline outside of technique to help the team achieve success. With Boys Swimming and Diving’s undefeated record, Ma stressed the importance of good sportsmanship and humility moving forward.
“We are doing really well. We don’t really need much motivation. At that point, it’s more like being respectful and sportsmanlike towards the other team as well and not being too ‘boasty’ and just playing it cool. Also, helping figure out why [athletes] might not have swum as well as they wanted to… [and] just reflecting and growing from that,” said Ma.
