Varsity Swim Team Preseason Training Makes Big Waves

By Ella Weathers, Shield Editor 

The varsity boys and girls swimming teams began the winter season strong with the addition of a preseason training program that prepared athletes physically and mentally. The New Wave Swim Club, in partnership with NRCA, welcomed students interested in the varsity swim teams who wanted to gain conditioning and endurance in the pool. 

Preseason workouts began in August and were held after school until the start of the winter season. Practices in the pool allowed athletes to improve their cardiovascular endurance, strength, and healthy habits. The workouts were helpful to athletes interested in trying a new sport, but also helpful as a way to gain confidence and comfort before transitioning into the regular season. 

Dr. April Savage, head coach of the varsity boys and girls swimming teams, explained that the goal of the preseason was to provide students with a stronger foundation before the competitive season began. “I wanted to give more students an opportunity to be successful during the swimming season,” Savage said. When the regular season started, swimmers who participated in preseason training understood the physical and mental demands of the sport. 

Savage also shared that the early workout program has had a noticeably positive impact on the team compared to previous seasons. “Our starting point is different,” she said. “We’re not having to teach someone how to swim a 25-yard lap. We get to jump in pretty much a month [further] into the swimming season [than before].” This head start allowed the team to focus earlier on technique and performance instead of building the foundation of basic skills during the first month of the season.  

Preseason training helped swimmers develop a mindset that is crucial to success in a demanding sport. Savage emphasized the importance of cardio endurance and being prepared before the season began. She stated that swimming can be more challenging than many athletes would expect, especially for those transitioning out of other sports. “It’s harder to jump into and survive versus other sports,” she said, adding that the preseason program helped students understand what is required. 

Overall, preseason training served as a motivator for new athletes, while reinforcing discipline and skill among returning swimmers.