When Edina students think of the school’s successful sports teams, most would think of hockey or girl’s tennis. However, ranked with these teams is none other than the Edina Girl’s Swimming and Diving Team. After winning the state championship for the past two years, they’re looking to get to that magical number three this season.
Along with the pride and glory that comes with the championship title, there’s an incredible amount of work that is put in behind the scenes. “It’s not easy,” said senior captain Elise Georis. According to Georis, a typical day of practice begins at the ripe hour of 5:00 a.m. in the less than ideal Valley View Middle School pool, followed in the afternoon with practice at South View Middle School, where the girls swim about five miles to finish off their days.
Spending upwards of fifteen hours per week in the pool together, the team became really close, relying on each other for support and friendship. Although most events, besides relays, are individual events, “It’s not as individual as you would think. Even though we’re all competing for the top spots on the Sections and State teams, we’re all really supportive of one another, cheer on our teammates at meets, and wish them good luck,” said Georis
With such a huge time commitment coupled with strenuous practices, it begs the question “is it worth it?” “As corny as it may sound,” said Georis, “it’s really rewarding to see all your hard work pay off at Sections and at State.” In addition, Georis also said it’s worth it when the girls beat rival teams such as Minnetonka and especially Eden Prairie, whose team puts fly swatters on the wall when they compete against Edina. Not only is it rewarding to win, but the girls also make the long hours seem a little shorter simply by having fun and enjoying each other’s company in the pool, constantly laughing and joking around at practice. Also to bring an end to the season during last week of practice, they throw apples in the pool and bob for them.
Currently in the thick of training, the team is working harder than ever to maintain their state championship title, making that the focus of every practice. To show off all of their hard work, Georis encourages everyone to come support the team at Sections on Saturday, October 13th at the Art Downey Aquatic Center at South View Middle School.
