As the new season approaches, the Edison High School swim team is gearing up for another exciting and challenging year. I had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Matthew Whitmore to get a preview of what we can expect from the team this year. With a strong focus on growth and improvement, the Edison swim team is ready to make waves in the pool.
One of the key factors that contribute to the success of any team is the return of experienced and talented players. For Edison, this year's top returning players are senior Gaby Kelly and junior Holden Lee. Both swimmers were individual league champions and CIF finalists last season, making them a force to be reckoned with in the pool. Coach Whitmore describes Kelly as the "cornerstone" of this year's team, with her four years of varsity experience and dedication to the sport. Lee, on the other hand, is expected to be a major contributor and leader for the boys' team.
In addition to the returning players, there are also new members who are expected to make an immediate impact. On the girls' team, sophomore Stella Stoval has shown significant improvement since last season and is expected to bring a boost to the team. For the boys, junior Matthew Langford is poised to make a name for himself as one of the top sprinters in the league.
As a coach, one of the most important roles is selecting team captains. Coach Whitmore looks for players who are willing to put the team's needs above their own, hardworking, and dedicated to their teammates' welfare. This year's captains are Christina Bennett for the girls' team and Alex Johnson for the boys' team.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial to the success of any team, and Coach Whitmore understands this. To foster these qualities, the team plans team dinners before each match and has a strong presence on social media to encourage and honor special performances. These efforts create a sense of unity and support among the team members, ultimately leading to a stronger and more cohesive team.
When it comes to motivation, Coach Whitmore believes in the power of delayed gratification and hard work. The team's foundational principles revolve around these values, and it is what drives them to push themselves to their full potential. In addition, they also have a strong focus on the mental aspect of the game, understanding that it can often be the difference between success and failure in swimming.
Preparing for the new season has not been without its challenges. Teaching newer swimmers and getting them ready for competitions has been a major focus for the team. However, with the experienced players and dedicated coaching staff, they are confident in their ability to overcome these challenges.
As for the team's schedule, they are in a highly competitive league, one of the best in Southern California. This means that every meeting will be a difficult one, with the main goal being to perform well at the League Final meet in April. This will require a lot of hard work and determination, but the team is up for the challenge.
Coach Whitmore has been coaching for over three decades, and his experience and knowledge of the sport have allowed him to develop his own coaching style. He understands the importance of finding a balance between pushing his players to their limits while also providing support and guidance. This approach has proven to be successful as the Edison swim team has consistently been a top contender in their league.
The team's training and conditioning program has also seen some changes and improvements. With a focus on the mental aspect of the game, they have incorporated more mental training techniques to help their swimmers stay focused and motivated during competitions. Additionally, they have also implemented a more structured and individualized training program to cater to the different strengths and weaknesses of each swimmer.
As the new season approaches, the Edison High School swim team is ready to take on any challenges that come their way. With a strong team dynamic, experienced and talented players, and a dedicated coaching staff, they are poised to make their mark in the pool. Coach Whitmore and his team's ultimate goal may be to swim faster than ever before, but with their hard work and determination, winning individual meets and even a league championship will be a byproduct of their success.
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