The Red Bridge YMCA was filled to its limited capacity to allow for social distancing yet the cheering from the aquatic center could fool anyone that it was packed to the brim during the swim and dive meet against St. Teresa’s Academy on Jan. 27. The Storm defeated the Stars 94-92.

“I loved everyone getting up and cheering,” senior Emma Grojean said, “A lot of the races were super close so it was exciting to cheer those swimmers on and watch people race and finish well. It was just a really exciting meet.”

Grojean, swim captain and senior, has participated in swim all four years at Sion. Watching the team cheer on one another and grow closer throughout the season is one of the most rewarding parts, according to Grojean. She has been swimming on a summer swim team since she was just eight years old.

“If I could go back and talk to my freshman year self,” Grojean said, “I would tell her to just have fun with it and swim your heart out. Always work hard but never forget to have fun.”

Swimming along Grojean was junior Grace Townsend. Townsend has been swimming since she was three and says her favorite part of the STA meets are the excitement and the team’s drive to win.

“I love being on the swim team with my younger sister Ava,” Townsend said, “We’re on a relay together and we’re going to state which is amazing.”

Swim coach and chemistry teacher, Kelly Timson, has been coaching the swim and dive team for seven years and was very proud with how the girls performed during the meet.

“This team is special,” Timson said, “They stayed positive despite the complications due to COVID: having to wear masks, no team dinners, limited meets.”

Now, the swim and dive team is beginning to prepare for the state meet on Feb. 18.