The swim team has won seven straight Sunshine League championships, but this year, winning number eight won’t be enough.
With a strong history and a promising group of swimmers, the Mustangs think they have the horsepower to bring home their first CIF-Southern Section championship.
Coach Peter Lambert said this year’s swimmers have the talent and attitude to “reset the record board” at Marlborough and take the CIF-Southern Section title.
“Because we have such a strong team, we’re entering the season with a more relaxed feeling, which is a good thing,” Lambert said.
“We have the most talent we’ve ever had. We want to win CIF[Southern Section] because we can,” he added.
Lambert said that the team has both strong veteran swimmers such as seniors Caitlin and Sacha, and juniors Bailey, Erica, and Isabelle, as well as promising new ones.
He said that mental preparation is always essential, especially when competing for the Southern Section title. Lambert explained that if the swimmers think of themselves as part of a team, instead of as individuals, they will have a greater chance of winning.
“It’s going to boil down to how we work as a team and getting the team adrenaline running,” Lambert said. “There are a lot of good teams with a lot of good girls out there. It’s the emotional factor that can push you over the edge.”
Co-Captain Bo ’11 agrees that the team’s mentality is a key factor.
“We have a strong team because we have strong swimmers and because everyone has been putting forth their best effort both in competition and in supporting one another,” she said.
Georgia’10, an “elder” this year and a co-captain last year, said that team members often cheer each other on during meets and supported each other throughout “Challenge Weekend.”
“It feels great to have everyone cheering for you and cheering on other people. I swim for the team and because I love the team,” she said.
Despite a lot of talent and drive, Lambert wants to make sure the swimmers are conditioned enough to remain competitive. The swim team usually competes in two meets a week for most of the season, but now Lambert has added new practices after meets to ensure that the swimmers remain in shape.
The swim team’s league record is 4-0. It swims against Notre Dame Academy April 13.
