The NDP Varsity Swim Team had a perfect season. Literally. After the team had an undefeated dual meet season, claimed the National Catholic Swimming title, and won the gold at the IAAM Championship Meet, I’d say Blazaswim (as they are called) is quite talented.

However, all of this talent does not come easily; these mermaids have to work hard! The team practices every day after school and even has morning practice twice a week, which usually ends with a bagel breakfast in the school cafeteria. Under the direction of Coach Byrd, swimmers are disciplined and strive for faster times each meet. The most nerve racking/exciting moment of the season had to be the final relay at Championships. NDP was neck and neck with their biggest rival, McDonogh. After an evenly tied meet, it all came down to the final relay. Teammates cheered while the relay team of Abby Merriman, Katie McComas, Selah Peacock, and Mary Kate Clancy brought the team to victory! What an amazing way to end the perfect season!

NDP swimmers are close in and out of the pool. Under the leadership of senior captains Mary Claire Connor, Mary Kate Clancy, Brie Radebaugh, and Katie McComas, the team was able to bond so much this year. Bonding experiences included pajama pasta parties, bagel breakfasts, several rounds of assassin, wearing goggles in the hallways during school, playing the world’s biggest game of fredioco, inspirational emails, and blaring music together on the bus to get pumped up before a meet. The team that wakes up at 5 A.M. together, stays together!

What an awesome and successful NDP Swimming season! Go Blazers!