The girls varsity swimming and diving team is looking forward to having a season together in the pool and, for many of the members of the team, the chance to compete against other teams for the first time.

This year’s roster features 11 lower mids and three preps – more than half the team – meaning that the majority of the Bearcats have not yet had a chance to race competitively for Hotchkiss.

“Because we do have a lot of young and new swimmers, I’m excited to see much of the team race for the first time,” said head coach Michelle Repass.

Despite the lack of experience, the team will use the same approach with this year’s schedule. “We treat meets as an opportunity to race and test out where we are and what we need to work on, just as we always would,” said Repass.

One of the areas of depth and experience for the team will be on the diving board, and two of this year’s captains (Zoe London ’22 and Meera Kasturi ’22) will compete in that event. Kasturi has distinguished herself in her first two competitive seasons, winning Founders as a lower mid and currently holding both school records for girls diving.

“I expect lots of progress this season, which we have already seen thus far,” said London.

The challenges of last season have this year’s team appreciating their time together even more, said Repass. “Last year highlighted some aspects of the team that we had taken for granted and suddenly didn’t have, so I think I can appreciate the return of those moments even more now.”

London said that she and fellow captains Kasturi and Emily Bukowski ’22 will work to set the right tone. “It is our responsibility to maintain positive energy and enthusiasm on the team, as well as lead by example with regard to dedication, love of the sport, and discipline.”