On Nov. 8, the Trinity Prep girls and boys varsity swim and dive teams competed in the Florida High School State Championships swim and dive meet. 

After earning their titles of district champions in October, the teams have been rigorously training in preparation for states. 

“… We practice four times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and I’ve been doing that since August,” senior Oliver Polsinelli said. 

The two teams represented Trinity Prep well as Polsinelli earned 6th place and senior Sarah Willoughby earned 11th place in diving. Junior Jahan Patel placed top 12 overall, and sophomore Chloe Anders qualified for finals. The girls’ 200 medley relay placed 8th overall, and the girls’ 400 freestyle relay placed 13th. 

Both teams finished their season on a high note, with the state championships closing out the seniors’ swimming and diving careers at Trinity.  

“I felt like this season was really meaningful as a senior because I feel like as a freshman, you always look up to the seniors and you think they’re so amazing,” senior Charlotte Lightman said. “So it is really amazing to be that role model.”

Although this is the end for many seniors, some, like Polsinelli, will be continuing their sport in college. 

“I am looking forward to the whole collegiate athlete experience,” Polsinelli said. “You get to travel with the team, you get built-in friends, which is a big bonus, and you get a lot of merch.”

Lightman gives words of advice and encouragement to current and future team members. 

“Do not skip practice, because if you go to a lot of practices, you will actually get better,” Lightman said. “Swim is one of those sports where if you miss a single practice, you’re gonna fall behind.”