After the cancellation of their last season due to COVID, The Olathe North Girls’ Swim and Dive Team began their season on March 1st at Summit Trail. 

Coaches Jennifer Schleicher and Assistant Coach Rebecca Meile were both new to the team last year, and continue their coaching positions this year. Luckily, COVID has been a significantly lesser problem this season. 

“We have been really lucky to have a season; COVID hasn’t affected us really heavily, besides our parents not being allowed to come to some meets,” said sophomore Emory Morgan.

Their first meet, according to freshman and first-time swimmer Mandy Perez, was better than expected. “I felt really anxious leading up to everything and I was super stressed out and worried,” Perez said. “But once I got in the pool it was a wave of relief because it was so much easier than I had thought it was going to be. Really, it felt like practice.”

The team practices Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30, along with morning practices Friday and Saturday, alternating between dryland exercise and swimming. There are roughly 11 regular season meets, before the league and state competitions. 

As for her goals, Morgan hopes to make some friends and improve on her times and strokes. Though the team has been limited in their ability to participate in outside-of-school team-building activities, they’ve still worked to improve as a team. “I hope the team grows closer and at least a few of us make it to state,” Morgan said.

Emory Morgan, 10th Grade, Swimmer

How long have you been swimming?

I started swimming when I was around 6 years old and then recently started again: about 4 years.

What are your events?

I do the 100 breast and 100 free.

What do you personally hope to accomplish this season? What are your goals?

This season I really just wanted to make friends , stay in shape, and drop time on all my events.

What do you hope to accomplish as a team? What will be your takeaway?

I hope the team gets closer and at least a few of us make it to state.

How do you feel your goals are going?

I’ve dropped time on my events, so I think they are going very well!

How has COVID-19 affected the season?

We have been really lucky to have a season; COVID hasn’t affected us really heavily, besides our parents not being allowed to come to some meets.