With the new 2017 season of the BSM girls’ swimming and diving beginning, there comes a fresh opportunity for the swimmers and divers to break last year’s times and hopefully bring home more wins. The last Section title for the team was in 2012, and it seems the team is due for another one this year.

Senior captains Erin Lerch, Abigail Gage, Morgan Williams, and Lauren Beh believes the team’s biggest goal is to unify and create a strong team connection. The team is made up of a wide range of girls from 7th to 12th grade, so it is important that all members are feel welcome and are having fun. To accomplish this, in preparation for the season, the team participated in “captain’s practices,” which included attending movies or going out to breakfast after practices. “I think the team is a very close and tight-knit this year, which will help our overall team’s connection,” junior Annie Valerius said.

The team lost multiple seniors who contributed to the team last year. “We have lost three seniors who were really good and went to State last year,” Lerch said. However, new freshmen Taylor Williams is one of the strong swimmers who can help the team achieve its goals for this year. “[Williams] is a super strong swimmer and a great addition to the team,” Lerch said. “I think the team has a lot more depth this year. Everyone is showing some good skills so I think we have potential,” Valerius said.

As the season moves along, the girls continue to work tirelessly in practice. Because of their dedication and commitment, combined with the their tight-knit bond, the team is hoping for successful results and be a strong force in the pool once again this year. “[We] are just going to go for it and do [our] best,” Valerius said.