Taking a deep breath and diving into the chlorine filled pool, girls swim team take on another invitational against some of their top competitors.

The girls team swam against HNA, Seattle Prep, AMHS, and Eastside Catholic at the NW Catholic Invitational.. Out of all of these schools the Braves came in second place. All girls had an outstanding meet and made sure their team spirit was at an all time high.

The main focus is to beat the clock, racing against time to beat the previous score. Other than beating times one of the biggest improvements needed to be made is the team spirit. Making sure all members are cheering on their fellow braves. Having a foundation of support and positivity helps bring the team closer together. Making the experience as instead of just the individual, into a whole.

“I think our team needs to improve on cheering,” said senior captain Aliana VanHollebeke, “Although our team is already great at encouraging and cheering on teammates, it would be great to show our other competitors how united and sportsmanlike the Braves swim team is.”

Besides focusing on the team as whole, it’s also very important to improve as an individual. Making sure to work hard and beat the last time. Using their own special abilities and working to greater times and speed. Each having different ways to calm down before their race against time.

“I focus on entering the water smoothly and getting off the block as quickly as possible.” Said VanHollebeke,”Then I mainly focus on finishing the race to the best of my ability. ”

“When I go into a meet and before my race I think about how fast I need to go to beat my previous times in the same event,” said junior Summer Cyr. “I also think about having correct form, from my dive into my finish.”

The team is excited to keep improving and becoming closer throughout this year’s season.