The Greendale girls swim team’s season is coming to an end with a winning record. The girls are working hard during practices and competing at meets while having a fun and memorable time.
Captain senior Nikolina Gallo shared her favorite meet. As the captain of the team, there are many things she has to overcome and work for. “My favorite meet was Conference relays because we won. Everyone was behind the lanes screaming and cheering and we even had a student section,” she said.
Coach Melaine Carlson is pleased with how the season has gone and how hard the girls work. ”At practices we work on a variety of things. From long distance to quick sprints! Towards the end of the season we peak at around 6500 yards a day,” she said. “Because this is quite a bit of yardage we do focus on 1 “fun day” a week which this season has consisted of going on a team walk, getting out early to do some team bonding, and more!”
The team is changing up then training as the season winds down. “As we transition into the championship portion of our season we will focus on tapering. Tapering is a technique where you strategically lower yardage while maintaining intensity; something that allows the girls to rest while still swimming fast,” Carlson said “Preparing the team for a meet really starts with the Monday of that weeks practice. We focus on technique and pace throughout the week during practice to help prepare for their events.
The team gets along well and has bonding activities. The girls have team dinner every Tuesday and it is always a great way to strategize for the meet and prepare their team mindset. “At the meet we usually have a team meeting where the girls will find new and unique ways to get each other motivated,” Carlson said.
The girls will miss the team when the season is over and all the memories they made. “My favorite memory of season so far was probably jumping into the pool after hearing that we won conference relays, the whole team was so excited and happy,” senior Chloe Yerkes said.
