Swimming renaissance: Mount Si aqua team leaders step in year two

In 2013, Mount Si's girls swim team embarked on a trial run as a newly organized group swimming in a new, hometown pool. This fall, team captains expect the 25-girl squad to come into their own.

By Seth Truscott • September 10, 2014 1:06 pm

In 2013, the Mount Si’s girls swim team embarked on a trial run as a newly organized group swimming in a new, hometown pool.

This fall, team captains expect the 25-girl squad to come into their own.

Mount Si coach Patrick Stewart will rely on four senior captains to show the way: Maddie Hager, Jessica Brady, Hallie Lynn and Emma Gieske.

“They’re the leaders,” Stewart said. “They started from day one.”

“This year, we know what worked and what didn’t work,” Hager said. “We’re focused on integrating the team, bonding, and having everybody do their best.”

This is Hager’s fourth year as a high school swimmer. “My goal is to have fun, get in shape and do the best I can,” she said.

Senior Hallie Lynn has been swimming competitively since age 9. Lynn’s personal goal is “always” to improve her 50 freestyle and sprint times. She’s got KingCo and districts in her sights, and sees promise ahead.

“I am really glad we’re starting a swim team in the Valley,” Lynn said. “More people are swimming now, with the TPC Tigersharks,” a youth team.

Teammates call Jessica Brady the Wildcats’ most serious swimmer. Her favored events are the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke. She intends to swim in a division-3 college next fall.

Final co-captain Emma Gieseke has her eyes on competition at KingCo in the backstroke and 500-meter freestyle.

The girls said that, even in their grade, they meet fellow students who don’t know about the new swim team.

“It’s starting to get recognition,” Lynn said. “Once the Tigershark swimmers get into high school, the team is just going to keep going.”

There’s a different feel, now that they are seniors, and leaders.

“It’s hard to make it fun because you don’t have traditions. You have to create that,” Lynn said.

Among younger athletes, Julia Crumb looks to be one of the stronger competitors.

“She’s been working really hard,” Stewart said.