Nine senior swimmers, divers and managers were celebrated by their teammates and families at their meet against St. Teresa’s Academy Jan. 24. Those honored include seniors Ellie Magsamen, Stella Lilek, Gill Cruz, Meredith Oswald, Ann Huff, Sarah Schaffer, Lexi Smith, Grace Frame and Sammie Nesslein.

In the middle of the meet, the underclassmen teammates formed a tunnel for the seniors to walk through. Each girl was announced while walking around the perimeter of the pool with her parents and received a bouquet of flowers from another member of the team.

“It is really nice to have such a large group [of seniors],” Chemistry Teacher and Head Swim Coach Kelly Timson said. “This year’s seniors lead by example, and the underclassmen really look up to them and respect them.”

The seniors this season have strived to serve as leaders and role models for the rest of the team and work together, according to Magsamen.

“I’ve always looked up to the upperclassmen on the team as a freshman and sophomore so finally being in this leadership is exciting because I know people are looking up to me,” Magsamen said. “As captain, I know it’s my job to set a good example for the rest of the team.”

This mode of mentality has allowed the team to bond and create a close-knit atmosphere. At meets, the seniors are always supporting their teammates and motivating them during tough practices, according to sophomore Olivia Townsend.

“They have all been leaders in individual ways by leading dry land before actually swimming, pushing others to try their hardest and always going out of their way to put the best interest of the team first,” Townsend said. “I’m going to miss the friendships I’ve made with them and the work ethic that they brought to the team. They have been the heart and soul of this team for the past two years I’ve been here and I can’t imagine swim without them.”

The positive spirit of the senior night channeled further into the outcome of the meet, with the night ending in the Storm defeating STA with a score of 117-72.