UC High’s Swim and Dive Team has an undeniable team chemistry that will work in their favor as they prepare for this season and hope to go far in City Championships and CIF.

    Varsity Coach Adalberto Vasquez likes to tell his swimmers: “Swim hard, kick fast.” This has become the team’s motto over the years.

    Senior Jodie Nelson said, “This year, I hope to help the Girls Team make it back to State Championships and place better than last year at City Championships and CIF.

     Senior  Co-Captain Emily Heinz said, “I don’t really like swimming, but I love training to get faster, and being with my friends makes it so much more enjoyable.”

   Sophomore Julianne Hom explained, “When I first joined swim, I realized being short was a disadvantage, but my team and coaches have helped me push through it and have taught me new swimming techniques.” Although swimming can be a difficult sport, the team and coaches are there to help and make it a more enjoyable experience.

    “Being captain of the Girls Swim Team has really allowed me to explore the responsibilities of being a leader.  We act as liaisons between the coach and other swimmers; as captains, we are responsible for communicating problems and resolutions,” said Nelson.

   Senior Mia Ryan said, “I’m excited for swim because it’s my last year, and I think I am a good leader for the team. I love everyone on the team, and I hope we can achieve our goals in and out of the pool.”

   Senior Dive Captain Lula Cotsirilos said, “I’m excited to continue working on my dives for this season and hopefully add a few new ones to my list. Being captain is a great opportunity to practice my leadership skills.” Some of the most common dives are the front one and one-half dive and the back-flip with a one and one half twist.

    The UC High Swim and Dive Team is not only a way to stay physically fit, it has also become a  fun way for students to spend time with their friends outside of school. Junior Kody Renly stated, “I’m excited for this season because of the Swim Team environment and because it is fun to hang out in the water.”

    Sophomore Kaden Renly said, “Swim is great because of the people and, of course, our coach.”

    Schwenkmeyer added, “I’m excited for fun times spent with quality friends.”

   Junior Jackson Cassidy said, “My favorite thing about swim is definitely the people. It’s awesome to swim and train with your best friends everyday.”

   Sophomore Summer Sanchez said, “Swim Team is the best part about going to UC High. After all, it is co-ed. Swimming is a fun sport where boys and girls get to train together.”

    While swim is a place to have fun with friends, the team is always prepared to work hard in order to achieve their goals. Cassidy added, “We lost a lot of really good seniors last year, so this year is going to be a chance for me to improve and really step up.”