The Masco Swim Team finished in second place during the NEC swim meet with senior Brynne Curley finishing first in the 500 Freestyle as well.
The season began with the Chieftains starting 4-0 overall, losing their first meet to Haverhill, but not losing an NEC matchup until Marblehead, who have won 26 NEC’s in a row after the title victory last week.
The Chieftains had a fantastic record, finishing 9-2 overall and 5-1 in conference.
“This year was an amazing season. We just finished our NEC Championship and overall we’ve had such a good season,” said senior Nicolle Sofronas.
Teamwork is a big part of high school sports and that remains the case with this swim team.
“Everybody’s been such good teammates. We’ve been doing pasta parties and brunches. Everything has been so amazing; I am so proud of this team and overall we’ve done so much as a group and I am really going to miss everyone when I am gone next year,” said Sofronas.
With Curley, Sofronas and senior Landon Boutlier as captains, the Chieftains were able to conquer tribulations that occurred throughout the season.
Members of the swim team spoke very highly of the experience and advocated for people to join next year.
“[People should join swim because] the general camaraderie of the team and I think it is just a good time. Even if you’re not great at swimming, you’re going to have a fun time because everybody’s friends. It’s just fun in general,” said junior Oliver Deeks.
Coaches Heather Rousseau and Carol Yunker have helped play a huge part in the team’s success.
“This is one of the best teams I’ve coached to date. The team really came together to support each other at practice and meets. They are all tough competitors and gave their all no matter what was asked of them. We suffered only one loss this dual meet season. It was a total team effort,” said Rousseau.
Everyone has been able to succeed no matter their experience on the swim team and lots of players qualified for sectionals.
“I’m most proud of our newest members of our team. Our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who have all decided to take on a new sport have very much succeeded throughout this season,” Boutilier said.
The Swim and Dive team even has players going to swim in college. Senior Kaleigh O’Brien committed to Loyola Maryland for diving and Curley signed to the swim team at Stonehill.
Boutilier is third in the state for diving, but he just “does swim for fun” and has no plans of swimming in college.
With States on Saturday Feb. 14, they will be looking to finish first and capture a state title. Nonetheless it was another successful season for the Masco Swim and Dive Team.