On November sixth, the CHS Swim and Dive Team competed in their first meet against Tucker High School and Johns Creek High School. This season, there were many first-year swimmers and divers, leading to a new team dynamic, different from years before. These first-year swimmers commented on their feelings going into their first high school meet.
“I’m excited to see all the other schools and how everyone competes,” said Nysa Malik (‘29).
Returning swimmers gave some advice for the new swimmers this year.
“There’s not a lot of time to warm up and… no time to [cool] down. If they care about going faster in their events, it’s really important that new swimmers warm up,” said Kazuki Wells (‘27). “[New and returning swimmers] need to make sure they’re eating actual food before races. [Eating] 30 Chick-fil-A nuggets [before swimming] might not be the best idea.”
Claire Otte (‘28) explained how she feels about swim meets and some solutions she’s found that she wanted to share with new swimmers.
“[Meets] can be very overstimulating. It’s always quite loud because of the echoing; there are very bright lights; and [there are] whistles blowing. It can be a lot, but I think most times, if you find a quiet corner to sit, then [the meet is] usually okay,” said Otte.
Going into this first meet, returning swimmers were ecstatic to begin the season, meeting new teammates and reconnecting with old ones.
“I’m excited to hang out with people. Swim meets are always really chill. You swim for 30 seconds, and then you hang out with people. [Many swimmers] go to Chick-fil-A beforehand. It’s really fun,” said Otte.
Eleanor Head (‘28) also commented on her excitement to start the season and what she was looking forward to.
“[I am excited about] getting all the freshmen introduced, getting to meet our swim families, and then getting to go and compete,” said Head.
The swim and dive team incorporates swim families, which consist of two captains acting as “parents” who draft swimmers across all grades to be a part of their “family.” The swim families were introduced for the first time just before the meet began.
“[The captains] lined us up outside, and then they called our names. [My captains] went around and asked everyone to put their number [into someone’s phone], so now we’re all in a GroupMe,” said Otte.
Every swimmer is chosen to be a part of a family, and the family will plan different activities to do together. These families help make swimming more of a community and team sport instead of the individualized sport it can often be seen as.
Otte elaborated on how impactful the coaches’ support is at the meets.
“[The snack buffet] really shows that our coaches care about our well-being, adding to the community [aspect] of the team,” said Otte.
Although each person had their own expectations for this meet, some of these expectations changed as the meet progressed.
“[The swim meet] was definitely less hype than I thought it would be, but [the swimming part] was really fun,” said Hagler. “I got better times [on my events]: I dropped two seconds [off my record time].”
Both new and returning swimmers have goals they hope to achieve throughout this season.
“The first meet always gives you a good starting point for your times, and as you go on, you try to improve that time,” said Otte. “[The times] really show you how much you’ve improved from the very beginning of the season to the end of the season.”
Twisha Saxena (‘28), a returning swimmer, has already set her goals.
“I’m hoping I can get faster than my average time from last year,” said Saxena.
Nomi Nemenman (‘29) had his own specific challenges that he had to overcome in his events.
“During my relay, my goggles came off of my face and went onto my mouth,” said Nemenman. “I had to swim with my head up because I didn’t have my goggles on anymore.”
Although swim has its adversities, such as those experienced by Nemenman, the Chamblee team attempts to keep swim community-driven through sideline encouragement and swim families. Many have commented that these efforts have led to more comfort and excitement going into the season.
