BSM’s girls’ swim and dive team had many of their swimmers reach the 2022 MSHSL State Swim and Dive Team meet.

The swim team had a strong season leading up to state and did very well in their regular season meets. They had lots of success in their invites, sections, and state “I think our season went amazing leading up to state. We got into many invitationals throughout the season and ended up getting second in sections. We had eight girls and then two alternates that were in the state meet,” senior captain Caroline Forster said.

Along with doing well this season physically, the bond of this year’s team was really something that helped make the team so successful. “I think what helped us make it as far as we did was the unity on our team and all the team bonding we did. Being as close as we were and always trying to have a positive mind set really set us up for success this year,” senior captain Lauren Benedict said.

The seniors and team leaders really helped bring everyone together. They gave lots of the younger girls motivation both in practice and in meets. “I think my teammates and the upperclassmen really helped me be successful because it is motivational when everyone’s around cheering you on,” sophomore Siri Gudmundson said.

At state, the eight girls and two alternates that attended competed very well and their hard work and talent was demonstrated with the final placements. “We had one relay make it to top eight and then one place seventh overall, the 200 freestyle relay. We had girls make top 16 in the 200 freestyle and then I placed top 8th in the 100 butterfly and 5th in the 50 yard freestyle,” Benedict said.

Junior girls dive team member Elizabeth Long had an impressive season, ending her season at the state meet. “From the beginning, my end goal was to make it to state, so I am very proud of that. I competed with the flu and didn’t do as well as I hoped, but next year my goal is to make top eight,” Long said.

Going on to graduate and having just completed their last season on the team, the seniors have learned many life lessons that they feel will be valuable to the team moving forward. “Just always stick with it and swim as much as you can and try different events. Whatever the coach gives you, just try it cause you never know what will happen. From that, then you can know your strengths and weaknesses,” Forster said.

The girls swim and dive team have had a fun and successful season. Good work, Red Knights!