When one traditionally thinks of a sport, most envision a specific image of teamwork and camaraderie. However, swimming, an individual sport, is unique for its complicated balance between the team and the solo swimmer. Swim athletes are expected to perform at their absolute best while juggling the pressure of performing alone and relying on the support of their teammates. This begs the question: how do swimmers navigate the complexities of a solitary mindset alongside an environment of togetherness?

Every competitive swimmer retains an inner desire to be the fastest, strongest, and toughest competitor. Athletes dedicate hours to hone their individual skill and endurance as they repeatedly propel themselves across the swimming pool. Yet throughout this process, some athletes within the sport can learn to adopt unhealthy rivalries against their teammates, which can affect the team dynamic. The difficult coordination of ego and synergy can make or break the overall performance.

The Mater Dei swim team, however, trains hard to uplift and motivate each other during the offseason. Following the swim team’s three broken Mater Dei records set by class of 2025 alumni last spring, the current team has been hard at work sharpening its mentality and physique for the upcoming season. 

Senior and captain Julian Acevedo ensures his teammates work their hardest while maintaining a healthy environment. Knowing swimmers often struggle with negative competition amongst their teammates, Acevedo utilizes his experience to encourage his peers during practice. 

“I feel like my teammates motivate me, and I motivate them,” Acevedo said. “We have a really good environment where we keep each other accountable.”

On top of a multitude of different factors, swimmers mostly rely on themselves to stay mentally prepared. It’s a common fear among athletes to make mistakes during crucial moments of the competition. The thought of spending hours perfecting your techniques and speed but failing in the final race, can severely damage an athlete’s mindset. Even experienced swimmers find it difficult to consistently refine their mental toughness

Through her current experience on the varsity team, freshman Elaine Dinh has learned to remain resilient amid the overwhelming intensity. Dinh knows to trust her training and push past moments of adversity. Knowing she will soon face seniors, Dinh emphasizes the importance of being brave no matter the circumstances.

“Every time I go up the block, I get really nervous,” Dinh said. “So you just gotta do it scared, or don’t do [it] at all.” 

One of Dinh’s biggest aspirations is to reach nationals; alongside her team, she wishes to improve through their motivation. Every day, Dinh disciplines herself to work her hardest and build a strong attitude to utilize even when she is not in the pool. Dinh holds high hopes for the team’s future.

Whenever a teammate experiences a mental block or a tough situation, Mater Dei athletes remember they have each other and stay close. The swim connection extends beyond physical activity and sports; instead, teammates become part of one large Monarch family.

Together as a team, they strive to bolster a strong bond as they improve individually during every practice. The swimmers understand that a strong team dynamic further fuels personal growth. This universal knowledge allows athletes to cooperate and root for one another.

“I feel like we all just want each other to do our best,” Acevedo said. “ We’re not the type of team that’s gonna be putting each other down.”