A swim meet is chaotic. The smell of chlorine, the blaring of whistles, and the constant shuffle of competitors. It’s a wonder how teams remain composed and ready for action. Keeping it all running smoothly are this year’s Rowland Hall swim team’s three captains, who go above and beyond to keep the team motivated and coordinated. These three amazing swimmers have devoted time and effort to being the role models and guides the team needs.

Sarah Shakib

Sarah’s inspiration to swim was her own brother. Throughout her childhood, she did everything that he did, and that included swimming. Having her brother as a role model was a fundamental part of her motivation to swim. To her, swimming is “something to do, even if you don’t feel like doing anything else.” A former Hurricane at the JCC, Sarah’s swimming experience encouraged her to keep going and swim all four years of high school. Her favorite ocean animal is a whale shark or a whale. Though she may not plan to keep swimming in college, Sarah will carry the valuable lessons learned from swimming to wherever life takes her.

Cecelia Hyman

Cecelia Hyman has been competitively swimming for 9 years. Swimming has helped her develop organizational skills like the ability to stay on top of everything that she needs to do in order to be a student athlete. Part of this includes getting solid rest before a race or remembering to eat something like a banana before her race. Cecelia is a big believer in trying your best and having fun when swimming. Throughout her years on the swim team, she has been an impactful team member and a good athlete. But just as much as racing, she cherishes the moments after her races with the team. When talking to Cecelia, she stated that her spirit ocean animal would be a manta ray. While Cecelia does have an offer to swim for college, she's undecided whether she will continue swimming into college, but for now she is an essential pillar of our team.

Leo Pickron

Leo Pickron, who has been swimming on the Rowland Hall swim team since freshman year, began his story as a soccer player. Realizing that wasn't what he wanted to pursue, he tried out fencing. However, Leo was too peaceful to continue. Then he began his journey as a swimmer. Leo describes his favorite memories on the swim team as their two-day trip to Cedar City: “It was super great to be with people longer than just one day.” His favorite sharks are mako sharks, hammerhead sharks, and his ultimate favorite, thresher sharks.

As the season comes to a close, Sarah, Cecelia, and Leo’s impact will stay with the remaining members and be passed down for years. Mina Maidon-Felker, a swimmer this year on the team, describes the team captains as “dedicated, supportive, and caring. They always make sure the team is hyped and well advocated for!” Through their leadership and dedication, the captains shaped the environment of the Rowland Hall swim team into one built on support, effort, and team bonding.