Selma High’s varsity swim team starts the season with resilience as they adjust to the SHS swimming pool being under renovation. In order to hold practices, Dinuba’s Swim Program has allowed Selma High to use their pool. Although there is a sense of gratitude to have a resource to hold practices, the team voices frustration with the arrangement as well.
“It’s very frustrating to travel to Dinuba everyday and practice feels longer,” expressed senior Shawn Valdez. “A lot of people quit or are hesitant to commit to the sport now since it’s away from school grounds.”
The additional twenty minutes to and from practice can be a difficult commitment for a high school student to take on. However, it’s a sacrifice the team is willing to make in order to compete this season. Additionally, encouragement amongst the team has kept the momentum going strong and, although the team is smaller than years prior, it hasn’t prevented them from maintaining an impressive unity.
“My favorite part about swim would be the team bond,” shared senior Sarah Barron. “With new team members we just try to make sure they feel included and not left out.”
This sense of inclusion and collaboration has aided the athletes to adjust to the season. Swim comes with a competitive nature as athletes push themselves to improve their individual times. Coach Marcus Valdez encourages his athletes to adopt the mindset of intrinsic motivation as they chase personal records.
“Motivation comes from within,” Valdez said, “so having knowledge of what the athlete desires to get out of the sport is important to understanding how to motivate each athlete individually.”
“To achieve first place,” senior Shawn Valdez explains, resonating with the mindset shared by his coach, “and overall set new personal records [and] the thrill from it, is very motivating and rewarding.”
Finding motivation isn’t always easy and overcoming nerves can be an uphill battle. However, Barron gives insight on how she stays composed before swim meets.
“I like to be alone before I race, so I don’t talk to anyone,” explained Barron. “I’m just there getting ready, stretching my arms and breathing through my nerves. It usually helps me a lot with my race.”
Although the season has just begun, the team has shown perseverance as they’ve adjusted to the unique challenge of being without a pool. Through the team’s special bond, determined mindset, and resilient attitude, they are prepared for any challenges that may await them and are aiming to qualify for Valley Championships. The next swim meet will take place on March 19, 2025, at Sierra Pacific.
