“(USC) gave me a lot of confidence because I had a really good meet personally,” said senior Andrea Reigel.
“There were some struggles, and we had distractions to deal with … but I feel like we handled that very well.”
Turning struggles into positivity has been a goal for many of the swimmers this week as they prepare for the upcoming competitions.
“This week I just have more nerves that I know I can turn into good energy when it’s time to race,” said freshman Megan Rankin. “(But) I’m so excited to see the energy from all the colleges, like the cheers – I’m just excited.”
To combat the extra nerves this week, the team has been paying attention to the small details, such as fine-tuning their strokes, in order to be as clearheaded as possible in the days leading up to the most significant meets of the year.
“Everyone’s staying focused and taking care of themselves and resting and doing everything they need to do to be great,” said coach Cyndi Gallagher.
Resting at the end of the season involves tapering workouts – practices are shorter, but involve a higher intensity. Additionally, the swimmers are optimistic about individual needs being met during practice, as the team more often splits up into groups based on stroke.
In these instances, distance swimmers are able to focus on their pace, while sprinters fine-tune their starts, turns and finishes. This has allowed for a more committed practice mentality.
“I think they’ve learned the value of making every practice count and (of) focused, deliberate practice,” Gallagher said.
For seniors, though, this week is bittersweet, carrying with it the pressure to do well as well as a sense of finality. Gallagher isn’t worried about them, however.
“(I tell the seniors to) just take it in, be in the moment. Be present right here, look at your teammates, look at the parents, look at all the crazy people cheering for you and take it all in,” Gallagher said.
Taking in the moment won’t be an issue for the swimmers, however, who are enjoying one another’s company and aiming to do well.
“This is the last week that we’re all going to be together as an entire team. … We have to make it count,” Reigel said. “I think of it as trying to enjoy the people around me, this team, and have as much fun as I can.”