The Plant Swim and Dive Team had a stroke of success this season, ending with an 11-1 record, and now diving headfirst into districts and onwards. However, this season did not come without its own trials and tribulations.  

Whether it was the typical trials and tribulations of a new season, or new coaching staff, this year’s team worked through multiple hurdles. 

“Starting off as a freshman is difficult,” Alexandra Brun (9) said. “I’ve swam my whole life, but I never really had these two hour long and difficult practices before.” 

This adjustment was not a foreign feeling for Brun but rather shared by a majority of the freshmen on the team. 

“All of the freshmen on the team and I bonded over struggling at the practices daily,” Elle Davidson (9) said. “The two hours of non-stop drills and sets were so demanding.” 

These practices filled with set after set proved to be difficult for the rookie underclass, but also the veteran upperclassmen.  

“Coming off summer, starting swim practices always reminds you how difficult it is,” Charlotte Morris (11) said. “I have been swimming all three years I have been at Plant, and it always remains a difficult feat to get back in true swimming shape. Practices included kicking, drills and swimming at various speeds and difficulties which made sure I was ready for the meets ahead.” 

This adjustment to getting into shape is a difficult feat.  

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Swimming performance is highly dependent on muscle strength… Swimming is a systemic exercise that necessitates the coordination of the upper and lower limbs to ensure that the body performs its best in water.” 

With such a physically demanding sport at a young age, it takes conditioning and time to ensure the best outcomes for the season. As a result, regardless of their age or experience, one difficult feat was simply getting in shape for the season. 

Additionally, Plant recently welcomed two new coaches. Last year, Coach Todd Hoffmeier joined in his first year as the head coach. Assistant coach, Valerie Huston, stayed on one additional year to aid, but then was replaced this season by Plant’s Student Success Coach, Melissa Sigmon. 

Finally, another hurdle jumped by the team this year was overcoming injuries. Most notably, KK Drinkard (12) injured her ACL and was not able to swim with the rest of the team for her senior year.  

“It was kind of disappointing,” Drinkard said. “I swam all through high school and I really wanted to this year but in the end I just couldn’t. It ended up being okay, though. Everyone still made me feel included and I still had fun even if I wasn’t actually swimming.” 

Unfortunately, Drinkard’s injury was not the only team member lost. Morgan Miller (12) contracted a painful ear infection which inhibited her from getting in the water for weeks.  

“KK and Morgan have been some of my best friends for years now,” Callie Mosely (12) said. “An injury or infection was never going to be a reason they wouldn’t be a part of this team.” 

Ultimately, the Swim team gathered together to push against many unmotivating factors which could have kept them down.  

However, led by the coaches and captains, the team was able to persevere and come out of the season with their winning record.  

“I was very proud to represent my team and set an example as a senior leader by helping my teammates better themselves in and out of the pool,” Captain Anna Moseley (12), said. “In my tenure on the team, I’ve learned that that is what it truly means to be a Plant Panther athlete.” 

Overall, Plant’s Swim team had a successful season and is carrying a good team into districts.