As the Lakeside Swim and Dive team dives into the upcoming season, a palpable energy of excitement and hope fills the air. With a focus on improvement, team cohesion, and personal achievement, the athletes are geared up for a year of dedication and fun.
Coach Newmyer, a veteran of 19 years at Lakeside and the swim and dive team, emphasizes the core values for the season: “Dedication and Willingness to work hard” are the qualities she seeks in her swimmers. Despite the pool’s current construction, the team is adapting with two days of dryland training and three to four days of swimming per week, in addition to one meet. The coaching staff is dedicated to honing fundamental skills, with “ 10-15 minutes a day for starts and turns,” ensuring a strong technical foundation. Beyond wins, Coach Newmyer’s goals include fostering a sense of community, aiming for “ as many state qualifiers as possible, and for everyone to get to know each other and have an enjoyable season.”
The team’s overall vibe for the season is described as “ hopeful and exciting,” with a strong emphasis on “ making team connections and figuring out what events everyone is good at,” as noted by Dorothy Baldwin, an 11th grader. This sentiment is echoed by 12th grader Erin Lilic, who highlights the importance of “ having fun showing commitment.” New members are welcomed into a supportive environment, with existing swimmers helping them navigate the world of swim meets and celebrating “ every little accomplishment.” Simple gestures like high fives and ‘ that was so good’ go a long way in building confidence.
Individually, swimmers are setting ambitious goals. Erin Lilic aims to qualify for the state by mastering two new dives, while Dorothy Baldwin is focused on improving her personal best in the 100-meter breaststroke. The mental game is also a key focus. Athletes are working on self-assurance, with Lilic sharing, “ I just have to keep telling myself that no one is there to judge me, and over that I just need to breathe and have fun.” Preparing for setbacks involves cultivating resilience, as Lilic adds, “I just tell myself it won’t be the end of the world if I mess something up.”
Looking beyond individual performance, the team is prioritizing collective success and strong bonds. “I want to see my team win as many swim meets as possible and form a strong connection,” states Baldwin, with a personal commitment to do my best in every swim meet and connect with new swimmers,” Coach Newmyer is also focused on this broader vision, stating, “ State qualifications are what count, not really wins and losses.” The team eagerly anticipates bonding experiences like the McCallie invitational, described by Lilic as a chance for “ the drive up to Chattanooga on the bus with all my best friends, along with the dinner with everyone, and just being with everyone for a weekend.”
The energy and morale heading into the first competition are high. “ Everyone is very enthusiastic and excited, so I think everyone has a lot of confidence going into the first meet,” observes Lilic. While acknowledging that “ a lot of the time, if I’m feeling scared, I’ll just tell myself, ‘ you only live once, send it!” the prevailing attitude is one of positive anticipation and mutual support. This season promises to be one of significant growth, not just in the pool but in the lasting connections forged among teammates.
