This year, St. Mary’s Athletics relaunched a swim team for students in grades SK-5. Organized and led by Assistant Athletic Director Kendall Visinsky, the team aims to teach fundamentals and techniques to the youngest Turkey swimmers. Visinsky, a swimmer herself and passionate proponent of the sport, previously led an elementary swim league for students from several local schools, including St. Mary's. “The goal was to create a positive, supportive environment for swimmers to develop their technique and endurance while competing for their schools,” said Visinsky. She led the league for eight years before covid paused all league activities.
When Visinsky joined St. Mary’s as Assistant Athletic Director in the fall of 2022, she thought it was an excellent opportunity to reintroduce a Lower School swim offering to the community. “The response was positively overwhelming. Our team is nearly 70 swimmers strong,” she shared.
The team began practicing in January. Participants attend two weekly practices. Visinsky and the coaches cater to the young swimmers' various ages and skill levels.
“We want every child to learn, improve, and have fun. It's been such a treat for SMS girls from different grades to get to know one another and learn with each other. The girls love representing their school, cheering as a team, and growing their swimming abilities,” she said.
Upper School swimmers are also very supportive of their younger counterparts. Junior Caroline Garrett serves as one of the head coaches, and other swimmers volunteer at the practices and meets.
Visinsky hopes the program continues growing and eventually includes swimmers from other schools. “The support from the entire SMS community has made the program a huge success and bodes well for the future of swimming at St. Mary's,” she added.
The North Campus swimmers have their final meet on Saturday, March 4, to showcase what they have learned. Join us at the Nuber YMCA at 6:00 p.m. to cheer on our girls!
- Athletics
- Early Childhood
- Lower School