The Girls’ Swim and Dive Team has enjoyed unprecedented success for numerous years. With an undefeated season this year and historically strong performances in the postseason, the Girl’s Swim and Dive team serves as the epitome of the exceptionalism of Ithaca athletics. I talked with team captains Zoey Zentner ‘20, Lexi Moravek ‘20 and Gwen Lindberg ‘20 on their astonishing success and how they have maintained their focus and determination for so many years.
Asha Duhan ‘19: Why did you choose to swim?
Alexis Moravek ‘20: I’ve always loved swimming. My older sister joined the varsity team her freshman year and I followed a year later, joining in 7th grade, because she was really inspiring to me. I started swimming with ITAC (a competitive club) at 10 years old, and really enjoyed that.
Gwen Lindberg ‘20: I loved spending time in the pool and I was not particularly good at any other sport, so swimming was the obvious choice for me.
Zoey Zentner ‘20: It just kind of made sense for me to swim. Aside from being clumsy and hating running, I always loved being in the water. I swam with the YMCA swim team before doing ITAC in fourth grade and joining varsity in 7th.
AD: Why do you think Ithaca Girls Swimming has been so successful?
AM: I think our team has been so successful because of everyone’s dedication and hard work. Without our tenacity, teamwork, and courage, we would not have gotten as far as we have. We are a very close team and always try to build each other up, like a family.
GL: We have a great swim program at Ithaca College that helps draw kids into swimming and trains them for varsity. We also have really good values on the team, emphasizing each person’s character and creating a great atmosphere for growth and success.
ZZ: I think that it is important that we have a program that really values teamwork and growth over individual achievement and getting great swimming times. That’s not to say that we don’t think times are important, but we always strive for a positive team atmosphere.
AD: What are your team and individual goals for this season and upcoming seasons?
AM: I hope that our whole team can maintain our winning streak and end up being sectional champs. I hope that everyone feels accomplished in something by the end of the season in whatever ways that comes. My personal goals are making states in an individual event and in a relay.
GL: I hope that we can recreate our winning streak and everyone has a successful season, not only concerning times but also socially, making new friends.
ZZ: I hope our seniors have a great final year and that we win sectionals.
AD: What is your favorite part of the season?
AM: My favorite part of the season is probably tapering (reducing exercise before competitions) because we all come together and start preparing for sectionals. Our nerves are high but its such a team bonding experience getting physically and mentally prepared for a very important end of the season meet. Plus practices become a little more fun and have less hardcore yardage.
GL: My favorite part of the season has to be going to our overnight trip to Shenendehowa. The night at the hotel and the long bus rides allow us to bond together as a team and have a lot of fun with each other, making good memories. Not to mention, the meet itself is really exciting and fast, and a lot of people get their personal records there, so it’s really fun to watch and participate in.
ZZ: I could say sectionals or team bonding because I love that stuff, but my favorite part of the season is diving in at the start of every race. Meets are loud and chaotic, but there is this amazing sense of calm and silence that rushes over you for a split second right when you dive in. The water rushing over you is like the calm in the center of the storm. Before a race you can feel like you are bubbling over with stress, but those milliseconds make you calm down and focus on the race.