Synchronized swimming begins their season
Marisa DeMourkas '12
Issue date: 12/10/08 Section: Sports
There are high expectations for Wheaton's synchronized swimming team this year, as there are every year. They ended last season with a top-ten finish in the United States Collegiate Championship for the 20th season in the row, and they are hoping to do it again. The team is led by coach Rebecca Story. She is returning to Wheaton for her second season. She led the Lyons to an eighth-place finish in the championship last season. Jenna Swinkin '10 and Laura Montes '10 captain the team.
One of the team's goals, according Swinkin, is that "we want people to say 'wow' after we complete our routine." They are working to be better and stronger than for any previous season. Their routines are more complex and challenging than ever before.
In addition to this, the team has adapted a new workout schedule. On top of the more than 13 hours a week they spend in the pool, the team is also incorporating a lot of "dry land workouts," including running and lifting. Also, every girl comes in for individual workouts and extra time with Coach Story. All of this allows them to perform better in the water.
One of the main strengths of the team isn't a particular person. Montes comments that "we need to trust in each other that we will be consistent in our part." They are a very unified group of girls, and they rely on one another to try their hardest because that is the only way that they can win as a team.
The team welcomes five new freshmen this year, who all bring new dynamics and ideas to the team: Christiana Butera '12, Amanda Chils '12, Anastasia Hare '12, Rachel Cordo '12 and Kate Verbarg '12.
With these new freshmen there is now a complete eight-person team for competition. The team also has four returning members.
In addition to the two captains, senior Sharada Strasmore, who was studying abroad during last season, is back on the team and sophomore Sarah Bertland, who was a walk-on last year, round out the team. There is a wide variety of background for these girls, but the team is very unified and ready to succeed.
All of this adds to the talent and ability that each of these girls has as an individual, and makes them even stronger when they work together as a team. This season looks good for the squad as they hope to make it to the US Collegiate Championship and finish in the top ten for the 21st year in a row.
Mark your calendars for the team's two home meets next semester. The first is the Wheaton Invitational on Jan. 31. The second is the ECAC Championship on March 21-22. So come out and show your support for one of Wheaton's most successful teams.
One of the team's goals, according Swinkin, is that "we want people to say 'wow' after we complete our routine." They are working to be better and stronger than for any previous season. Their routines are more complex and challenging than ever before.
In addition to this, the team has adapted a new workout schedule. On top of the more than 13 hours a week they spend in the pool, the team is also incorporating a lot of "dry land workouts," including running and lifting. Also, every girl comes in for individual workouts and extra time with Coach Story. All of this allows them to perform better in the water.
One of the main strengths of the team isn't a particular person. Montes comments that "we need to trust in each other that we will be consistent in our part." They are a very unified group of girls, and they rely on one another to try their hardest because that is the only way that they can win as a team.
The team welcomes five new freshmen this year, who all bring new dynamics and ideas to the team: Christiana Butera '12, Amanda Chils '12, Anastasia Hare '12, Rachel Cordo '12 and Kate Verbarg '12.
With these new freshmen there is now a complete eight-person team for competition. The team also has four returning members.
In addition to the two captains, senior Sharada Strasmore, who was studying abroad during last season, is back on the team and sophomore Sarah Bertland, who was a walk-on last year, round out the team. There is a wide variety of background for these girls, but the team is very unified and ready to succeed.
All of this adds to the talent and ability that each of these girls has as an individual, and makes them even stronger when they work together as a team. This season looks good for the squad as they hope to make it to the US Collegiate Championship and finish in the top ten for the 21st year in a row.
Mark your calendars for the team's two home meets next semester. The first is the Wheaton Invitational on Jan. 31. The second is the ECAC Championship on March 21-22. So come out and show your support for one of Wheaton's most successful teams.
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