As the school year kicks into full gear, the Niles North Girls Swim and Dive team is making a splash, and this year promises to be one to watch. Led by senior Sarah Gomez, the team is already showing that hard work, dedication, and team spirit are the things that drive them throughout the season.
“The core values of our team are commitment and effort,” said Gomez. “Showing up every single day for ourselves and each other is really important, and putting our full effort into everything we do is key to what we do.” These values are clear in every practice and meet, as the team pushes each other to be stronger, faster, and more focused.
Varsity kicked off the season at the Niles West Early Bird Invite last Saturday, and while the results were impressive, the team is looking forward to more improvements with a series of dual meets. For the swimmers, it seems that commitment isn’t just a word, it’s a lifestyle. Daily after-school practices, early morning workouts, and Saturday sessions keep the team ready for competition.
Coach Mr. Moran noted that girls swim and dive stands out because it’s “both deeply individual and intensely team-oriented. Every race or dive is a solo performance, but the outcome of a meet depends on every athlete’s contribution, whether they’re scoring first-place points or finishing in the middle of the heat.” That balance of personal effort and team success is part of what makes the program so special.
But what truly sets this team apart from all the other teams here at North isn’t just the hours spent in the pool; it’s the culture and traditions that make the team feel like family. Gomez highlights the annual Senior Night, a celebration unlike any other. Each year, the juniors secretly plan a theme and decorate the pool, preparing baskets filled with blankets, candy, and other surprises for the seniors. After the meet, the team gathers for a Senior Night dinner, where seniors share stories from their time on the team. “It’s a lot of planning for one meet, but it makes Senior Night so special, not only for our seniors but for our entire team,” Gomez explained.
The team’s energy, commitment, and camaraderie is already creating an exciting start to the season. With seniors like Gomez leading by example and underclassmen stepping up to the challenge, they are more than just a swim team, they’re a tight-knit group of athletes pushing each other to be their best.
As the season continues, it is clear that whether it’s in the water or supporting each other on deck, the Girls Swim and Dive team is ready to make waves and chase personal and team goals with everything they’ve got.
