“Talent wins meets, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships,” is written on one of the posters scattered around the pool deck. This year’s Girls’ Swim and Dive have proven that they have talent, teamwork, and intelligence as the dominating team in the state.

The girls’ 2016 diving team has expanded this year from five to seven divers: Ellese LaTour, Ilia Corniea, Isabel Busyn, Jozie Meitz, Maya Steen, Megan Phillip, and Valentina von Heydekampf. Both the diving and swim team practice everyday after school until about 6:00 p.m. “Everybody works so hard at practice and every gal puts her whole heart into the season,” said head coach Jeff Mace.

Great gals and great leaders have returned to the swimming pool this year, among them captains Sophie Anderson, Rachel Wittmer, Emma Seymour, and Emily Meitz. The captains make team bonding a priority by organizing dinners, parties, and sleepovers to form a close-knit and successful team. “The team atmosphere that we have created is what allows us to remain undefeated, everyone brings such a positive energy which builds the team up,” said Seymour.

The Edina Girls’ Swim and Dive team won state back in 2012, and they are ready to bring their all for the 2016 state championship title. The team practices hard every day to win meets in preparation for achieving their goal: winning state. They got their first taste at an Edina vs. Minnetonka showdown at the Class AA True Team State on Oct. 15th. A hornet record of 2,483.5 points to Minnetonka’s 2,410 points sealed the deal. Junior swimmer Kelli McCarthy broke her own school record with a time of 4:56.53 in the 500 freestyle, and freshman diver Megan Phillip dominated the diving well with a score of 505.45 points.

Watch the Edina Girls’ Swim and Dive defend their undefeated ranking at state from Nov. 16-18 at the U of M, or come cheer on the swim team on Friday Oct. 29th for this season’s first championship meet. JV Conference starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Southview pool. Support girls athletics!