For greater than 20 years, the University of Oregon’s membership swim group has quietly constructed probably the most welcoming and dedicated communities for student-athletes on campus. Run by the scholars and fueled by close-knit relationships, the UO Swim Club is proof the competitors doesn’t have to return at the price of enjoyable.
For many swimmers, the trail to the pool was predetermined. First-year Ava Kloster, a butterfly specialist who competes in each 50 and 100 fly, grew up watching her older brother swim and adopted in his wake. After buying and selling highschool cheerleading for a cap and goggles in faculty, she joined the swim group to rebuild her endurance and the objective to reclaim her aggressive 100 fly. Just ten weeks into her first season, and he or she’s already hitting her targets.
Sydney Ashton, one other first-year in this system, competes within the 50 and 100 breaststroke and shares the same story. Like Kloster, she grew up with an older brother within the sport and now finds herself rediscovering swimming in a much less inflexible, extra fostering and pleasant surroundings.
Other swimmers have a little bit of a distinct story. Second-year swimmer Kai Paasch competes primarily in distance occasions like the five hundred and 1000 free, 200 breaststroke, and 400 particular person medley. He grew up with swimmer dad and mom and admits that he “hated it at first,” however has discovered peace and delight with the Swim Club. Now, Paasch competes with the objective of constructing nationals this 12 months and remembers to verify in with himself reasonably than face burnout. “You’re always gauging how you feel in swimming,” he stated.
The membership is led by swimmers who carry expertise as properly. Will Pariso, the third-year secretary, began out as a leisure swimmer. He now competes within the 50 free and can be aiming to make nationals this season. Parisol’s private objective is to hit a private file each time he competes, however “Never let the outcome affect how I approach the next competition.”
Another skilled swimmer is Abby Tomlinson, the third-year Meet Coordinator, who’s described by her teammates as a “Jack of all trades.” With all of the meet coordinating, she hasn’t been as energetic in her 100 particular person medley, however initially discovered her love for swimming in her hometown of Hood River, the place she was “surrounded by water.”
The group is exclusive as a result of it thrives on inclusivity and welcomes all varieties of swimmers, however the management extends far past what’s achieved within the water. Practices are coached and structured, however the duty of coordinating meets, managing funds, placing out group surveys and holding morale excessive is upheld completely by the scholars. Luckily, the morale for the group is at all times excessive, fueled particularly by their mascot, Jean-Paul the Labubu, who has a handcrafted crochet sweater and is awarded for good habits after meets.
The membership’s tenet is heartwarming; they at all times purpose to be “First in Fun,” no matter outcomes. This ethos guided them on a 32-hour highway journey for a meet in Irvine, California, the place they admittedly didn’t hit their targets, however the reminiscences of the journey are nonetheless vital to the group.
The group emphasizes private and collective development, and so they enter every season with the intention to assist as many swimmers as they’ll in attending to the CSS Nationals within the spring. The recommendation the group has for college students who could also be thinking about becoming a member of is to easily“show up.” Whether you’re chasing a nationwide title or simply beginning out, there’s at all times a lane for you with the UO Swim Club.