Holton-Arms Swim & Dive 2025 Season Recap: A Team of Depth, Drive, and Determination
As the 2025 winter season draws to a close, the Holton-Arms Swim and Dive team has much to celebrate. Under the guidance of Head Coach Malena Lair Ferrari, the team showed grit, growth, and a sense of unity that defined their path to an impressive championship run. With a dynamic freshman class, seasoned upperclassmen, and a commitment to team-wide contribution, Holton delivered one of its most resilient and well-rounded seasons in recent memory.
We caught up with Coach Ferrari to reflect on the season's defining moments, key contributors, and what lies ahead for this promising program.
A Freshman Force
A highlight of the 2024–2025 season was the immediate impact made by Holton’s outstanding freshman class. Coach Ferrari was quick to emphasize how pivotal Kelly Ji, Luana Rabah, and Maria Olympia were to the team’s success. All three competed in every championship meet, making major contributions not just individually but also as critical legs in the team’s relay events.
“These freshmen were essential for our relays and had a big impact on the overall team outcome,” said Coach Ferrari. “They brought both talent and a fierce competitive spirit that helped elevate the entire squad.”
Their consistency throughout the season helped provide a strong foundation, particularly in high-stakes meets like the ISLs and WMPSSDL championships.
Senior Standout: Ainsley Kashatus
While the freshmen made waves in the pool, senior Ainsley Kashatus took control of the diving board and delivered a flawless season. Ainsley dominated every dual meet and swept both the Independent School League (ISL) and Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swim & Dive League (WMPSSDL) championships. Her outstanding performances helped lift Holton to top-two team finishes and earned her the title of the team’s Most Valuable Athlete.
“Ainsley’s consistency and competitive edge were unmatched this season,” Coach Ferrari reflected. “Her leadership through performance gave the team a huge boost in every meet.”
The Season: Growth Through Challenge
The 2025 season was defined not just by talent but by the team’s ability to grow through adversity. Holton’s schedule featured tough opponents and unpredictable circumstances, from illness and academic stress to inclement weather.
Still, Coach Ferrari described the year as a success, both in terms of results and learning experiences. “Every season is an opportunity to learn,” she explained. “We strive to include all our athletes in the team’s success, not just those who win events. Balancing a winning lineup with team-wide involvement is our goal, and I believe we found that balance more often than not.”
Despite the highs and lows, the team came together when it mattered most. At the end of the season, Holton delivered strong showings at every championship meet, with a particularly tight second-place finish at the ISL Championships behind powerhouse Stone Ridge—a result that both stung and motivated the team.
Key Turning Points: Hunger After Winter Break
One of the most defining moments of the season came shortly after the winter break, during Holton’s dual meet against Madeira. Still shaking off the holiday rust, the team faced a formidable opponent. That meet—along with the narrow ISL championship result—ignited a fire within the athletes.
“Coming out of that Madeira meet and placing so close behind Stone Ridge at ISLs really motivated the team,” said Coach Ferrari. “They got hungrier for success and more determined in practice. That hunger showed in their performances down the stretch.”
Quiet Development, Major Impact
While top performers often grab the headlines, every successful team needs athletes who grow into their roles over time. This year, Lucy Hagen and Blythe Staley were two such swimmers who matured steadily throughout the season. As their confidence grew, so did their contributions.
“They really started to believe in their abilities,” said Coach Ferrari. “By the end of the season, they were both important members of our squad.”
Their growth underscores one of the central values of the Holton-Arms program: development and inclusion across all levels of the team.
Responding to Adversity
High school sports always come with challenges, especially at a school like Holton, where academic rigor demands just as much from students as athletics. But the 2025 swim and dive team didn’t fold under pressure. Instead, they used adversity to fuel their progress.
Whether it was bouncing back from a tough loss or coping with mid-season illnesses, the team turned challenges into motivation. “They didn’t let setbacks define them,” Coach Ferrari said. “They trained harder, refocused, and raced faster.”
Senior Leadership: The Heart of the Team
Although Coach Ferrari didn’t list every senior individually, the influence of this year’s senior class was evident throughout the season. Their leadership helped guide younger athletes through the rigors of high school swimming, and their competitive edge set the tone for a program built on determination.
With standout leaders like Ainsley Kashatus in diving and others who brought maturity and commitment, the Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship.
The Future: Freshman Experience, Sophomore Strength
Looking ahead, Coach Ferrari is brimming with optimism. The young swimmers who excelled this year now have a full season of experience behind them, and that knowledge will be crucial as they take on more leadership roles in the future.
“There’s a learning curve in high school swimming, especially at a school like Holton,” said Coach Ferrari. “But now our underclassmen know what it takes. They’ve experienced the highs and lows, and I have no doubt that next season they’ll come back more prepared and more powerful.”
This blend of returning veterans and developing talent makes Holton a serious contender for next year’s titles—and perhaps a new chapter of dominance in both swimming and diving.
Eyes on the Offseason
Though specific offseason training plans weren’t mentioned, Coach Ferrari emphasized the importance of continued growth and recruitment. The team’s success this year was built on depth and development, and that same blueprint will be key in the coming months.
Athletes and fans can follow the team’s stats and updates on the school website or through the Potomac Valley Swimming (PVS.org) under the High School section. Additional swim coverage may also appear on SwimSwam, a national swim news platform.
A Season to Remember
In the end, the 2025 Holton-Arms Swim & Dive team will be remembered not just for their medals and victories, but for their unity, perseverance, and all-in commitment to each other’s success. It was a season of breakthrough performances, tight finishes, and character-building moments that will shape the future of the program for years to come.
With a deep talent pool and a coach who values both competition and community, Holton is well-positioned to dive even deeper into success next season.
 and Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swim & Dive League (WMPSSDL) championships. Her outstanding performances helped lift Holton to top-two team finishes and earned her the title of the team’s Most Valuable Athlete.
“Ainsley’s consistency and competitive edge were unmatched this season,” Coach Ferrari reflected. “Her leadership through performance gave the team a huge boost in every meet.”
The Season: Growth Through Challenge
The 2025 season was defined not just by talent but by the team’s ability to grow through adversity. Holton’s schedule featured tough opponents and unpredictable circumstances, from illness and academic stress to inclement weather.
Still, Coach Ferrari described the year as a success, both in terms of results and learning experiences. “Every season is an opportunity to learn,” she explained. “We strive to include all our athletes in the team’s success, not just those who win events. Balancing a winning lineup with team-wide involvement is our goal, and I believe we found that balance more often than not.”
Despite the highs and lows, the team came together when it mattered most. At the end of the season, Holton delivered strong showings at every championship meet, with a particularly tight second-place finish at the ISL Championships behind powerhouse Stone Ridge—a result that both stung and motivated the team.
Key Turning Points: Hunger After Winter Break
One of the most defining moments of the season came shortly after the winter break, during Holton’s dual meet against Madeira. Still shaking off the holiday rust, the team faced a formidable opponent. That meet—along with the narrow ISL championship result—ignited a fire within the athletes.
“Coming out of that Madeira meet and placing so close behind Stone Ridge at ISLs really motivated the team,” said Coach Ferrari. “They got hungrier for success and more determined in practice. That hunger showed in their performances down the stretch.”
Quiet Development, Major Impact
While top performers often grab the headlines, every successful team needs athletes who grow into their roles over time. This year, Lucy Hagen and Blythe Staley were two such swimmers who matured steadily throughout the season. As their confidence grew, so did their contributions.
“They really started to believe in their abilities,” said Coach Ferrari. “By the end of the season, they were both important members of our squad.”
Their growth underscores one of the central values of the Holton-Arms program: development and inclusion across all levels of the team.
Responding to Adversity
High school sports always come with challenges, especially at a school like Holton, where academic rigor demands just as much from students as athletics. But the 2025 swim and dive team didn’t fold under pressure. Instead, they used adversity to fuel their progress.
Whether it was bouncing back from a tough loss or coping with mid-season illnesses, the team turned challenges into motivation. “They didn’t let setbacks define them,” Coach Ferrari said. “They trained harder, refocused, and raced faster.”
Senior Leadership: The Heart of the Team
Although Coach Ferrari didn’t list every senior individually, the influence of this year’s senior class was evident throughout the season. Their leadership helped guide younger athletes through the rigors of high school swimming, and their competitive edge set the tone for a program built on determination.
With standout leaders like Ainsley Kashatus in diving and others who brought maturity and commitment, the Class of 2025 leaves behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship.
The Future: Freshman Experience, Sophomore Strength
Looking ahead, Coach Ferrari is brimming with optimism. The young swimmers who excelled this year now have a full season of experience behind them, and that knowledge will be crucial as they take on more leadership roles in the future.
“There’s a learning curve in high school swimming, especially at a school like Holton,” said Coach Ferrari. “But now our underclassmen know what it takes. They’ve experienced the highs and lows, and I have no doubt that next season they’ll come back more prepared and more powerful.”
This blend of returning veterans and developing talent makes Holton a serious contender for next year’s titles—and perhaps a new chapter of dominance in both swimming and diving.
Eyes on the Offseason
Though specific offseason training plans weren’t mentioned, Coach Ferrari emphasized the importance of continued growth and recruitment. The team’s success this year was built on depth and development, and that same blueprint will be key in the coming months.
Athletes and fans can follow the team’s stats and updates on the school website or through the Potomac Valley Swimming (PVS.org) under the High School section. Additional swim coverage may also appear on SwimSwam, a national swim news platform.
A Season to Remember
In the end, the 2025 Holton-Arms Swim & Dive team will be remembered not just for their medals and victories, but for their unity, perseverance, and all-in commitment to each other’s success. It was a season of breakthrough performances, tight finishes, and character-building moments that will shape the future of the program for years to come.
With a deep talent pool and a coach who values both competition and community, Holton is well-positioned to dive even deeper into success next season.)
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