From last year's 12 swimmers to an outstanding 32 this year, our team has not only grown in numbers but also in strength, determination, and camaraderie. Representing more than five different countries, our boys and girls have created a diverse and united front, embracing challenges and pushing themselves beyond their limits. We introduced dryland workouts, participated in more competitive meets, and built stronger bonds through activities like our Christmas Secret Santa and "Swimsgiving" dinner. These moments outside the pool have been just as important as the training we put in every day.
I always say that confidence comes from what you do in practice every single day. The dedication our swimmers showed in each session translated into remarkable performances at meets. We prayed before every competition, and I reminded them to show the world what they were made of. Their efforts paid off as we made our way back to Dalton Regions and the state meet, four years later.
One of the most rewarding moments of the season didn’t happen in the pool but in Woodstock. A woman named Barbara Lemon shared a heartfelt message on our school’s Facebook page, describing her encounter with our swimmers at Five Guys:
"Just wanted to let you know what a great group of students you have. My husband and I were grabbing a burger after he picked me up after a long day of work tonight. We walked into our local Five Guys in Woodstock to find a lengthy line of your swimmers. We hesitated to stay, but we decided to stick it out. Your students were so pleasant to be around. One young gentleman shared all about your school with us. He was beaming with pride. With such a crowd, naturally, it was going to be a wait. They all patiently waited for their food while conversing and having a good time. It was so refreshing to watch. The coaches were so apologetic for the wait, and you could tell the students respected their authority—another bonus mark for your students. You are doing a great job! Nice to have them visit Cherokee County!"
This message absolutely made my day. As a coach, I already know how special our team is, I see it in their hard work, determination, and kindness every single day. But to hear it recognized by a stranger was a powerful reminder of the incredible young people I have the privilege of working with.
We also made some exciting improvements this year. We got a new timing system, which will allow us to host more and larger meets. Our program is expanding beyond this season, adding group and individual sessions for Pre-K to fifth-graders, with varsity team members stepping up as instructors and role models for our future swimmers.
While we didn’t make it to the finals at the state meet, looking back a week later, it’s clear just how much we’ve grown. More importantly, we now have a solid foundation and a clear plan for next season. The journey isn’t just about winning; it’s about progress, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds formed along the way.
This season has been unforgettable. I truly believe our community is looking at the pool differently because of the incredible job our swimmers did, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this team. One thing is for sure: we are stronger together, and this is just the beginning!