Summer is gone, and with it, the days at the pool, basking in the sun, but the opportunities to swim are still here. Taylorsville swim team has just started, and it is not too late to join.

The swim team welcomes swimmers of all abilities and strengths. It is a team that competes individually to win as a team.

“So it is an individual and part of a team which is something you don’t get with any other sport. And it really makes kids smart, I don’t know how else to put it. If you can focus on the swim team you can do anything. If you can survive the swim team, you can survive anything.” says Coach Mary Ward.

The swim team is a paradox. It is a great way to relax by working hard. Swimming uses your whole body the whole time, which is unique.

The swim team isn’t easy, but it is worth it. “I like how challenging it is, swimming is a difficult sport, so after each season of hard work, my favorite part is to look at all the progress I have made through the year.” Junior and Captain Brady Cooper says. Cooper has been on the team for three years this year.

You swim your solo race to get points for the team. It is different from other teams where you don’t have to rely on others in order to do your best. It is a great place to be able to see your personal improvement and boost your self-confidence.

In order to win meets, you need a large team. This allows for a great way to meet new friends, and get to know people from all grades and social group.

Cooper says, “This year I want to work on a lot of things, but mainly I want to build the team camaraderie and help the team come closer together as a team. I also want to motivate others to work as hard as they can so they can all be successful.”

Colleges really like seeing extracurricular activities on resumes. The swim team is a great one because of its uniqueness. It also is one of the cheaper sports to join.

“I am hoping to get at least one relay to state, I am hoping to get more than one individual to state I’m hoping that we get some medals at region, I am hoping to retain more kids on the team. So we start out with 50, we keep 50 I am hoping we get more team unity when kiddos can’t swim or are tired or whatever that swim is a place to feel better about it and rely on each other, and that this is a place of comfort, not a place to hide from it. I am hoping to have more fun” saysWard.

This year the captains, coaches, and swimmers are working to make this a great season. If you are planning on doing another sport in the spring, this is a great way to get in shape and get ready.

“Do it! It is a great life skill to learn, is a great workout, and will get you into great shape and you’ll meet great people and make great friendships,” says Cooper.