Watching a Teammate Grow: More Than Just Swimming (Shout out to Finn!)

There’s something incredible about watching a teammate set a goal and chase it down, stroke by stroke. Swimming can feel like such an individual sport, but in reality, it’s not. We push each other, we cheer each other on, and we feel every victory—big or small—together.

This past month, I got to witness that firsthand with my teammate, Finn at the Frosh/Soph Meet. At the start of the season, he set a mid season goal for himself: to break the school Soph/Frosh record in the 100 butterfly. It wasn’t going to be easy—the record had stood for years, and Finn was already fast, but not that fast. Yet, instead of just hoping, he put in the work.

He stayed late after practice to fine-tune his stroke, worked on his underwaters until his legs burned, and worked with our coach to understand different ways he could shave off time. There were moments of frustration, where he added time. But he never gave up.

Then the Soph/Frosh meet. It was a rollercoaster event for him. His pre-lim swim time wasn't a time he was happy about. But, he didn't let it deter him. He knew deep down inside he could swim the time he had set for himself. You could tell he was determined to beat this record.

During the finals, our entire team was lined up along the edge of the pool, screaming for him as he powered through the water. When he touched the wall, we all turned to the scoreboard. New school record.

The best part? It didn’t feel like just his win—it felt like a win for all of us. We had watched him struggle, improve, and finally achieve what he had worked so hard for. Because that’s what teammates do. We don’t just compete alongside each other—we push each other, support each other, and celebrate each other’s success.

Watching Finn reminded me that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about grit, perseverance, and having people in your corner who believe in you. And honestly? That’s the best part of being on a team.