For Co-Captain Sarah Samoluk ’26, Girls Swimming and Diving is defined not only by competition, but by the community built on the pool deck each day. Though she began swimming recreationally before arriving at Andover, the team’s culture motivated her to continue the sport at a competitive level.
Samoluk said she initially joined the team in her Junior year to stay connected to swimming, but found herself staying because of its community.
“I didn’t love the swim team because of the swim meets, but [because] the people that I met at my first practice for the [Andover] swim team were some of the greatest people I’d ever met, …I stuck with it. After you do swim team for one year, you stick with it just for the community,” said Samoluk.
Now in her fourth year on the team, Samoluk was elected Co-Captain alongside Willow Wright ’26 at the end of last season. She said the role has allowed her to connect with swimmers across all levels and help establish values she believes are important to the team.
“I would describe my leadership style as very personable. I like to make sure that everyone’s having a good time, but also allow there to be space for serious moments,” said Samoluk.
She continued, “The first swim meet of the year was very stressful for a lot of new swimmers who had never competed in a swim meet before. I wanted to clear the air and make sure that everyone knew that there was no pressure… that we were going to be supportive of everyone no matter the outcome,” said Samoluk.
Several teammates said Samoluk’s attitude has helped maintain team morale throughout the season. Alexis Lee ’28 mentioned how Samoluk consistently brings energy and encouragement to both practices and meets.
“She’s very welcoming and she’s super funny to be around. I remember last year, at the beginning of this season I swam with her, and it was the best time because she was really nice. Even now, I always know that I can swim with her. [Her welcomingness] and also her sense of humor [are] what make her such a good captain,” said Lee.
Sarah Sun ’29 detailed how Samoluk sets an example by prioritizing encouragement over performance.
“She shows people, and tells people, that being fast isn’t the most important part. I feel that she shows leadership, and instead of only saying that certain people are good because they’re faster, she also encourages the newer people on the team who don’t know as much about swimming or haven’t done competitive swimming before. I think that’s a good role model for future leaders or captains,” said Sun.
Annabelle Zhang ’29 further noted Samoluk’s efforts to check in with teammates at meets and help organize team activities.
“[She’s] always on time at the pool deck. [She will] organize events, organize brunches for us, like on the day of swim meets. And then on the day of swim meets… [she’ll] give you high fives,” said Zhang.
While swimming is an individual sport during races, Samoluk emphasized the importance of team-wide support.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to be supporting each other and learning from each other… Even during practices, making sure that, although we’re taking what we’re doing seriously, we’re laughing, we’re able to take our mind off maybe school work and anything that’s outside of the pool… There’s a lot of ups and downs, but keeping that focus on joy is really important to me,” said Samoluk.
As the season continues, Samoluk said she hopes the team will leave with positive memories and lasting connections.
“My biggest goal is just for everyone to walk away from the season, having felt that they learned a lot. They had a lot of fun. They made great friends [who] are not just going to be for swim season alone, but outside of that. And people are proud of the community that we have developed over these three months.”
