Cathedral Catholic High School’s varsity Lady Dons’ swim team had a successful season this year. They have been victorious over every team and obtained an undefeated season so far, while they plan to keep it that way through CIF’s. They started their season behind schedule since the girl’s water polo team was still practicing for CIFs, but they have definitely made up for it. They’ve only had one month of meets,, but they did exceptionally well, as shown by their undefeated record.

For the past two months, the girls have been practicing every day for two hours. Each practice is grueling, but the girls love swimming. “I can’t imagine a life without swimming. It has become more of a lifestyle rather than just a sport,” sophomore Sue Han said. The girls work extra hard during practice to be the best, both for themselves and for the team. “During practices we usually practice our starts off the block,” senior Kelly McGuire said. “We have aerobic and anaerobic practices to work on strengthening our lungs and increase our endurance.”

Junior Kimberly Taboada has been on the team for three years since freshman year and said that the team this year “consists a lot of new participants, especially the freshmen who are working very hard,” she said. On April 30th, they swam against Bishops and won, which continued their undefeated record.

Swim meets begin with a 200 medley relay and then a 200 IM, or individual medley, and then after a 200 freestyle. During each meet, the girls cheer for each other when their teammates are swimming, which provides a welcoming feeling. “The atmosphere of high school swim is the reason I’m going to continue to swim in college,” Gaby Thomas said. With this encouraging community, the girls are proud to be apart of this team. “I wouldn’t enjoy swimming as much as I do if I wasn’t part of this team,” Catie Alexander said.

Last week was the last week of practice for the girls who are not going to the City Conference Tournament. However, the team hopes to advance to CIF’s and finish their season strong. With six CIF titles within the past seven years, the girls team is determined to do their best and win another title. However, last year was the first year after a long streak in which the girls were unable to bring home a title. This year they are expecting to face great teams but hope to finish their season, while bringing back a title.