When the J.P. varsity girls swimming team dive into the water, they know every second counts. Each race is more than a competition–rather, it is a testament to their hard work and resilience that has shined throughout each practice. Through every stroke and turn they have taken, the Hawks have proven their success to be more than just their victories, but also the phenomenal strength of their team.
On January 8, every swimmer contributed to the astounding victory over St. Thomas Aquinas and they dominated at 96-71. The team effort between everyone, whether powerful finishes or strong relays, contributed highly to the win. Another defining moment was their 97-70 victory of Old Bridge on January 17,, where cohesion as a time could only reflect the impressive win.
However, even in their toughest moments, the Hawks stayed strong and team camaraderie never faltered. After every race, a dull moment was easily flipped into a learning experience, paving the way to a closer, and even more stronger, team. Head Coach Jillieanna Peguero would describe the team as resilient, noting “despite the many challenges that [they] face during practices, and in their lives outside of the pool, [the team] they always find a way to remain positive and lift each other up to a higher level.”
At the GMC (Greater Middlesex Conference) Championships, the J.P. Stevens girls swimming team demonstrated that they had what it takes to step up to the plate and complete a well-deserved 6th place finish. Against some of the country’s quickest swimmers, the Hawks delivered strong performances in a diverse range of events, constantly scoring critical points that guaranteed their place. Their success was not only caused by the top performance, but also by the depth of their roster, with swimmers climbing up in the key events to surprise. Coach Peguero marks the championships as a memorable moment from the season, where “watching Angela [swimmer] get a GMC first place in 2 different events (the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle) for the second year in a row” was a defining moment. Every relay exchange, every dominating final lap, and every sprint to the wall had counted towards their momentum, proving the collective toughness that has been the theme of their season. The J.P. high school girls swimming team has shown that true victory lies not just in the finish line, but in their unwavering unity and relentless drive making them champions in every sense of the word.
This team knows that their time together is not only reflected by the results they produce, but also reflected through the journey they take together. Bound by a shared passion and relentless drive for success, the J.P. Stevens girl’s swimming team has only proved their unity in the pool, with every meet, every lap, and every stroke.