The JP Stevens Hawks swim team has found excellence through the fantastic start they have had this winter season. Looking forward to winning future events, their well-rounded roster has been able to meet every high standard set by the team’s captains and coaches. Their hard work and dedication have only continued to shine through with the help of their amazing abilities in the water, paying off in an outstanding performance at recent meets. The JP community has been showing their support to the team by attending meets and cheering them on. The school spirit and pride are evident in the stands, only serving as a great motivation for the swimmers’ success. Although the JP Stevens swim team is one of the more recently established teams in the school, many swimmers are truly motivated and determined to make their names known. Through their mutual support and encouragement for one another, the swim team has been building up a positive attitude and a brand for themselves in the district. 

With Captain senior Aman Nimse leading, the boys team has won six meets so far into the season. Although beginning with a rocky start, the girls’ team met their first win of the season against Old Bridge High School, led by Captain senior Nishika Solanki. Their major competitions so far have been against Old Bridge High School and East Brunswick High School: two schools they have been practicing for the most. While the JP swim team is still working on achieving more success, the team has been breaking personal records and achieving new heights with each race.

The swimmers’ technique and speed have been improving, and the team’s overall performance has been gaining momentum as the season progresses. But, the team’s success is not only a testament to their individual talents, but also to the strength of the team as a whole. The swimmers have formed a strong bond and support each other both in and out of the pool. They are a true example of teamwork and what it can accomplish. The team begins their race with a cheer, and after the race, they always have another cheer where they appreciate the other team for their effort. They also hold off on giving out the scores until after the meet is over and give them out during the bus ride home. The team has found these rituals to bring them closer together and trust one another more.

One of the keys to the team’s success has been its training program. The athletes have been working on building their strength and endurance through regular practices and dryland training. They have also been focusing on techniques, such as proper body position, stroke mechanics, and starts and turns. The coaches have been working tirelessly with the athletes to help them achieve their full potential, and it is clear that their efforts have been paying off. They are very proud of the team’s positive attitude and sportsmanship, a key contributing factor to their success. Even in the face of adversity, the group continues to show respect and encouragement to their opponents. Coach Patrick Osiadacz has detailed his experience with the team to be one that “felt like home.” He explains that the JP swimming team has been his comeback into the field of swimming and that it could not have been better than this.

The GMCs were on Friday, January 27th for the girls and Saturday, January 28th for the boys this season, where the boys placed 3rd and earned the 1st place spot in the semifinals. The coaches were very excited about the competition, as they believe that the team that has been built this season has created a commendable work ethic. Coach Ana Mendez explained that her main goal was to “maintain the momentum from last swim season,” which the team has stood by. With a team full of trust and dedication, they are sure to go far as the season continues.