The boys and girls CHS swim teams displayed a successful athletic performance at the California Interscholastic Federation competition a few weeks ago. The team grew their skills and mindset immensely throughout the season and applied that growth to the competition. The bonds made this season carry the team forward, both as athletes and friends.
At the competitions finals, the girls varsity team finished 7th overall and the boys varsity team finished 10th overall. The teams competed against twenty schools within San Diego including high schools such as Torrey Pines, San Marcos and Fallbrook.
Junior Kendall Martin, a swimmer on the girls varsity team, elaborates on her true passion for swimming. She reflects on the team’s bond and explains why it’s important to have a strong community.
“I have been swimming for the past eleven years, and I have been on the Carlsbad swim team since freshman year,” Martin said. “I would say the swim team community is super close; we all work together and help support each other.”
Even those who did not compete at CIF are proud of their teammates. Freshman Dillon Baylis, an athlete on the girls JV team, was excited for her teammates in the competition. Baylis, like many of her peers, was inspired by the achievements of the older team members and looks forward to contributing to the team’s success in future competitions.
“I didn’t go to CIF because I’m on the JV team, but varisty did amazing,” Baylis said. “They all did great in their events, and I’m excited to participate within the next few years.”
The team’s success was highlighted by many swimmers. Martin competed in the 200 yard freestyle, 200 yard medley relay and 100 yard butterfly. Martin integrated hard work and rigorous training that she and her teammates endured throughout the season in her performance in these events.
“I think CIF went pretty well; the team placed pretty well and both teams placed pretty high,” Martin said. “It was a super fun and exciting experience.”
Freshman swimmer Nathaniel Brewer faced a mix of nerves and excitement as he prepared to participate in the CIF competition for the first time. Brewer’s performance at the competition highlighted his personal progress throughout the season, but also demonstrated the strength of the team as a whole.
“CIF went well,” Brewer said. “We swam hard, made top eight in finals in some events and came close to top eight finals in other events.”
Brewer competed in the 200-yard medley relay, a challenging event that requires both speed and teamwork. Reflecting on his performance, he was satisfied with how he had competed this year. His ability to contribute to the team’s overall success was a significant accomplishment for a freshman, setting a high standard for his future competitions.
“I am very optimistic about making state championships next season. Go Carlsbad!” Brewer said.
The swim and dive team has grown into a strong community as their season comes to an end. The season’s triumphs were not only in individual events, but in the strength and unity of the team as a whole. The athletes supported each other through intense training sessions and celebrated each other’s successes in practices, meets and at the CIF competition.
“The swim team community is super unique as we are friends and we just help each other whenever needed, whether it’s during a practice, meet or outside of school,” Baylis said.
