Andover – 109 Loomis – 75
Andover – 114 Suffield – 63
Girls Swimming and Diving faced off against Suffield Academy and Loomis Chaffee (Loomis) on Saturday, winning both games by over 80 points in total. The team has been showing promise in its ongoing and energetic win streak this season.
So far in the season, the team has cultivated a positive environment through a buddy system where swimmers are paired together to cheer each other on during meets. Additionally, the team partakes in psyches before each meet to promote team spirit. Rosie Pan ’28 discussed how the team connection has helped each swimmer develop confidence.
“The environment that the team fosters at the beginning of the season helps swimmers feel better about themselves in their races, going into meets, and confidence helps you swim faster. Confidence is key, so I think the team environment really helps, and how welcoming the upperclassmen are,” said Pan.
According to Madelyn Esposito ’27, the team’s supportive energy fostered a positive atmosphere at Saturday’s swim meet, where the athletes enthusiastically cheered each other on. Prior to the meet, the team also gathered for brunch to bond and build camaraderie, setting the tone for a strong and unified performance.
“There was a pretty positive mood, I think everyone was ready to compete, which is always good. I think people were excited. I know for me, I wasn’t feeling too great, but despite that, I still had a pretty good time cheering for people, and it was fun. It was a great time. Positive vibes all around,” said Esposito.
Despite a rocky start to the meet, the team remained focused. Esposito noted they were surprised to learn upon arrival that another meet between Austin Preparatory School (Austin Prep) and St. Paul’s would be happening simultaneously. However, they managed to stay composed and perform well.
“We didn’t get news that there would be a second meet happening simultaneously with our meet. So our meet was against Loomis and Suffield, but there was also a meet between Austin Prep and St. Paul’s, and we only found out that Austin Prep and St. Paul’s would be having their meet at the same time when we got to the pool,” said Esposito.
Although Esposito was unable to swim the 500-Yard freestyle due to feeling unwell, she commended Katherine Feng ’27 for excelling in the event, especially since Feng is typically a sprinter rather than a long-distance swimmer.
“It was her first time swimming it in a while but she did really well for someone who hasn’t swam it in a while. It was really exciting to still experience that race, especially watching someone who was a bit newer to the race because I swim the 500 at almost every meet, but she does not. She’s also a new lower this year, so watching her swim at all the meets has been really exciting,” said Esposito.
Feng also reflected on how the team’s uplifting nature has helped her improve individually as well and adjust to the new setting.
Feng said, “I just switched to swimming here in Boston, and I’m not used to it, but I think it’s been going well. The team is really nice, and everyone gets along really well.”
Girls Swimming & Diving will face off against Deerfield on Saturday.
