Thomas Jefferson Swim & Dive Teams Make Waves in Remarkable 2025 Season

By Winter Sports Recap Team

For Thomas Jefferson High School’s Swim and Dive program, the 2025 winter season wasn’t just about winning races—it was about rebuilding a legacy, rising above adversity, and redefining what it means to be a team. Under the passionate and strategic leadership of Head Coach Madalyn Crane, both the girls' and boys' teams delivered unforgettable performances that will ripple through the program for years to come. From battling rain-soaked practices and illnesses to claiming district-wide championships and undefeated streaks, the Raiders have proven that when grit meets unity, anything is possible.

Standout Performers Spark Momentum

Every team has its key athletes, and for Coach Crane, two swimmers stood out not just for their talent but for their heart. On the girls' team, Fiona Policarpio, a sophomore butterfly specialist, was a force of nature in the pool. Described by Coach Crane as “one of the most talented butterfliers I’ve seen since the world went into quarantine,” Fiona is more than just a fast swimmer—she’s the emotional engine of the team. Always giving 100% in practice, constantly cheering for teammates, and consistently claiming first-place finishes, Fiona emerged as a leader in every sense of the word. For the boys, it was Alex Nguyen, a junior, who carried the torch. With a perfect balance of dedication and humor, Alex not only lifted spirits with his infectious personality but also dominated in the pool, scoring more points than anyone else and helping lead the Raiders to an undefeated season—a feat not seen since before the pandemic.

A Season of Redemption and Rising Spirits

For the girls’ team, the season was marked by both triumph and tenacity. They claimed their second straight All City title, a quad meet featuring every high school in the Federal Way School District. The team saw an influx of new swimmers, and watching their hard work turn into podium finishes brought palpable pride to the coaching staff. But the journey wasn’t smooth sailing. The girls trained for nearly two months in an outdoor summer league pool, enduring harsh weather conditions that would’ve crushed the morale of a lesser team. “They were rained on, they were cold... but their spirit never wavered,” Crane recalled. Despite shivering through practices and limited diving training, the girls not only stayed motivated—they thrived. “They still swam their hardest every day... and had enough energy to create goofy TikToks,” she laughed. On the boys’ side, this season was a resurrection. Before the pandemic, TJHS was a powerhouse, but rebuilding took time. “We only had one veteran swimmer out of 30,” Coach Crane noted of recent seasons. Fast forward to 2025, and the boys didn’t just rebuild—they reclaimed their dominance with an undefeated record, an All City title, and a League Championship win. A defining moment came just after winter break, when 40% of the team was sidelined with pneumonia. Facing a meet just four days later, younger swimmers were thrust into key roles. Their response? Pure heart and hustle. “It was one of the most exciting meets of the season,” Crane said proudly.

Leadership in the Pool and Beyond

While Fiona and Alex were never officially captains, their leadership was undeniable. Both took on roles well beyond what was expected, helping teammates with gear, offering support, and ensuring no one was left behind. They embodied the selflessness and dedication that coaches dream of seeing. The senior class also left a lasting mark on the program. The senior girls were full of high energy and encouragement, a crucial presence during the grueling early-season conditions. “They walked on deck with positivity every day,” Crane said, crediting them for keeping team morale high. The senior boys were a study in contrast and balance. “Half were resilient leaders... the other half were hooligans who loved pushing each other in the pool and screaming during kick sets,” Crane joked. But that unique mix of discipline and playfulness created a dynamic that fueled success. “To be successful, you need both,” she concluded, crediting the nine seniors with playing a massive role in the undefeated season.

Overcoming Mental Barriers with Team Unity

Swimming and diving are as much mental sports as they are physical ones, and Coach Crane knows this well. When her teams faced pressure, whether from a close meet or an illness-ravaged roster, she took a team-first, transparent approach. “We’d sit down, address the challenge together, and open the floor for conversation,” she explained. In one close boys' meet, she even prepared a “mock score” analysis, showing the team exactly what they needed to hit to win. That transparency gave the swimmers confidence, and they exceeded expectations.

The Future Is Bright—and Just Getting Started

Coach Crane is optimistic about what lies ahead. “As a coach, I’m always looking forward to seeing the team grow,” she said. Beyond wins and records, she finds joy in watching athletes mature, gain confidence, and shape the team’s identity themselves. With rising stars like Fiona and Alex returning, the Raiders are positioned for another strong year. And Coach Crane’s goals for the offseason? Improved kicking—“all swimmers hate it, but it’s the foundation of performance”—and mental preparation. She hopes each swimmer finds their ideal “pre-meet routine” to help them avoid self-doubt and enter competitions with confidence.

Where to Follow the Raiders' Journey

For those looking to dive into the stats and results, you can find full team performance data on: Arbiter Sports (Search “Thomas Jefferson High School - Auburn” under “Swimming”) WIAA Website for State (3A) results under “Swim & Dive Past Results”

District 3 Website for District results

WISCA Website for combined District and State results And don’t miss the team’s fun side—check out their swim & dive TikToks on Instagram: @tjhsswimanddive

Final Thoughts

The 2025 winter season for Thomas Jefferson High School Swim & Dive was more than a series of meets and medals. It was a season defined by resilience, growth, and a powerful sense of community. Whether swimming through cold rain, rising after illness, or cheering each other on at every turn, these student-athletes wrote a story worth remembering. As Coach Crane put it best, “We’re not done yet. We’re just getting started.” Written for the 2025 Winter Season Recap Series.

Thomas Jefferson Swim & Dive Teams Make Waves in Remarkable 2025 Season