The Vikings made a splash this October as the H-F girls’ swim team took first place at their home invitational, dominating the competition in multiple events.
Several swimmers stood out with top finishes. Katie Douglass, Kammi Nelson and Roxy Duckett each placed first in the freestyle, diving and backstroke events. Swimmers Margot Schoen, Brianna Merrill and Mary Nelson all earned third in their respective sections.
Beyond the results, this win served as a confidence booster for the team. Both swimmers and coaches agreed on just how big of an achievement it was.
“It was a good boost for everyone,” Head Coach Jeannette LaPlante said. “They can finally see their hard work paying off, and it meant a lot to get first place in our home pool.”
Backstroke swimmer Roxy Duckett shared how meaningful this win was for the team. “This win helped us understand that the season is not over yet,” she said. “We are strong enough to beat other teams, and we are getting faster and stronger.”
But this win did not come without work in practice and the support of the team.
“We do strength and conditioning in the morning and yardage at practice,” LaPlante explained. “But it is more the dedication and how hard the girls push each other and themselves at practice.”
The energy at this meet emphasized the excitement of the team’s victory. “It’s fun and loud. We are always cheering and jumping and just really being happy for everyone, no matter how well they swim,” Senior swimmer Chloe Cleland remarked. “We are known by other schools for being the team that is always cheering and being positive, no matter what the score is.”
LaPlante agreed. She added, “We always get very hype, and the camaraderie and sportsmanship of our team really stand out.”
Looking ahead, the girls aim to move forward and finish the season off strong. “We’re trying to send a swimmer or two to sectionals this year,” LaPlante said.
But that positive mindset is what kept the team going. Cleland summed up the team’s approach: “Our number one goal is to stay positive. That’s the kind of team we are. But we hope to keep up the good swimming and do well at our championship meets with a lot of time drops.”
