Warrior swimmers are off to a promising beginning to the 2018 campaign as they head toward one of the best seasons on record. With the team coming off one of its best seasons last year, team members are looking to contend even stronger with the heavy competition they will be facing around the metro area.

This year the squad has developed a deep pool of talent and have infused veteran strengths with the incorporation of new freshman swimmers. Senior Hunter Smith says this squad has been a culmination of talent and endless hours of hard work, “I think this season has the potential to be one of the best,” she said. “I can’t wait to see how far our hard work and dedication will push us this season as a team.”

The team had its first meet on Nov. 6 at Woodward where they swam against many strong teams including the hosts. In a true sign of strength, the girls team scored higher than the historically strong private school. The North boys team did equally well and won the meet outright. Following the first successful meet, the squad participated in the 6th Annual Atlanta Classic Invitational kickoff, in which the team competed against other schools like Atlanta International School and Maynard H. Jackson High School. The boys placed fourth overall in the meet, while the girls placed third, beating out Pace and Lovett. “Capitalizing on these beginning meets is crucial for the squad,” said Smith. “Competition will be tough playing against other powerhouse schools, but as a team we have the talent and bond to be able to compete with them.”

Coaches Alan Joel and Tim Storsteen are at the helm of the squad, entering into their second year as coaches. With the leadership of senior swimmers and the combination of strong coaches, the strength of the team will only grow in the foreseeable future. For the more than 40 athletes who are on the team, rigorous training regimen is key. The squad practices at the local Chastain Park Pool, where practices are frequent with one every day of the week, and even two morning practices each week which take place from 5:20 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.

Despite the season just beginning, the Warrior swimmers are already diving ahead of the competition with one goal in mind: to make this season one for the record books.