Long Beach Poly High School Girls Swim and Dive 2024Season Preview (CA)

As another swim season approaches, the Long Beach Poly High School team is gearing up for another successful year under the guidance of head coach Kalani Caldwell. With a strong focus on personal bests and a determination to win Moore League, Coach Caldwell is confident that the team has what it takes to reach their goals and make a splash in the pool. Coach Caldwell's main goal for this season is to take the girls as far and as fast as they can go. By consistently focusing on best times, the team is able to measure their progress and work towards improvement. Alongside this, the coach emphasizes the importance of communication, dedication, and having fun. These core values have been instilled in the team and have been key in their previous successes. Leading the team this year are senior Sofia Brys and junior Belle Puckett, both of whom swim year-round at a local club and have their sights set on swimming in college. They are not only talented in the water, but also serve as leaders and role models for their teammates. Their commitment and drive have set the bar high for the rest of the team. In addition to these returning standouts, freshman sensation Phoebe Kuo is expected to make a huge impact in her first year on the team. With a strong focus on breaststroke and individual medley events, Kuo has already made an impression and is poised to make a splash in the pool, helping the team qualify for CIF. But what makes a successful team goes beyond just talent in the water. Leadership also plays a crucial role, and Coach Caldwell looks to her captains for guidance and support. In her eyes, the ideal captain is someone who leads by example, putting in the extra effort and showing dedication to the team. This year, Caldwell sees these qualities in Sofia Brys and believes she will make an excellent captain. To start the year off on the right foot, the team participates in a Varsity Retreat, focusing on team building, trust, and support. Carbo dinners are also held before meets, allowing the team to bond and come together as a unit. Each practice begins with a team meeting, where they celebrate not only fast swims, but also non-swimming achievements such as obtaining a driver's license or being accepted into college. This team culture of support and celebration helps to create a positive and motivating environment for the swimmers. When it comes to work ethic, Coach Caldwell has no complaints.