Gallery • 8 Photos

Alex Tejada '28

Ten seniors on the boys swim team pose on the diving board on senior night.

It’s hard to find a senior night where 20 seniors run through a tunnel created by their teammates’ arms, pose for a picture lined up on a diving board, then jump off the diving board—with some seniors still wearing full warm-up suits, or even back flipping into the pool.

If you walked into Haven’s pool arena on Jan. 22, you heard claps, cheering, and laughter filling the area as Haven’s swim and dive team competed against Marple Newtown, in addition to honoring 10 senior girls and 10 senior boys from the team.

After the diving portion of the meet, the seniors were recognized as they ran through a human tunnel. Seniors then received flowers and were escorted by their families to take a picture as their names were announced. 

Girls swim team head coach Zach Anderson explained the combination of efforts between the boys and girls teams, parents, and swimmers, along with his efforts, to ensure that senior night flowed smoothly.

“I organize with the seniors, and I let them pick whatever events they want to do, and I take that into account with our lineup,” Anderson said. “So it’s a fun little balancing act that goes into it, of trying to figure out how we can make it as wonderful as we can for our lovely seniors.”

The girls team decorated the locker room for the seniors, gifted seniors leis and candy bags, and also enjoyed a psych box exchange.

Junior Lyla Kelly was one of the swimmers that assisted with organizing senior night. This year, she used Group Me to communicate with the other team members.  

“Next time, I will probably use Team Snap as it is more effective, but I think the biggest thing was really talking to them in person and brainstorming in person. I think that way it sinks in that these are our seniors, and we need a way to cherish them,” Kelly said.

The seniors contribute to both the team atmosphere and act as leaders, especially for the new or younger swimmers or divers. Anderson emphasizes their importance and value to the team’s many aspects.

“So the seniors as a whole, they’re our leaders of a team, especially our captains. They’re our role models—that’s who everybody looks up to on the team,” Anderson said. “[The seniors are] the people that I delegate to and I look to help rally the team, whether it’s a practice, whether it’s a meet, whether it’s any of our other events that we do. So they’re basically our leaders, and they’re who I look to as an inspiration on the team.”

For senior Anna Warley, Haven’s swim team has been more than solely a competitive activity. Instead, Warley explains the connections Haven’s swim team has fostered and the community that she will feel bittersweet about leaving.

“Honestly, it’s just been so amazing. It’s been more of a family than a team, and I’ve just loved the friendships I made with everybody on the team. I think everybody’s such a good swimmer, so dedicated, and just like the kindest team ever, and I love everybody here,” Warley said.

Kelly recognizes how the boys and girls teams will feel the loss of the 20 total swimmers leaving, yet understands that the seniors are taking their memories from being part of the swim team with them as they move into the next part of their life. 

“It’s tragic. It’s a third of our team… All of them have been a core part of our lineup for many, many years. For me, partially, my sister is leaving, sad to see her go, but I’m excited for their next step in their journey,” Kelly said.

As the swim and dive regular season comes to a close with a few meets left, swimmers have the opportunity to attend Silvers on Feb. 7 or the Central League Championships on Feb. 13 and 14. The District 1 Championships and State Championships will follow later for qualifying swimmers during the post season.

“I’m looking forward to postseason Silvers and Centrals. Everybody’s going to do so amazing there,” Warley said. “And I’m excited for another pasta party and to go to double decker with some of my teammates tonight.” 

The seniors will be missed, but the memories their fellow swimmers and divers will remember display the impact they have made to the swim and dive program at Haven. 

“I hope, if seniors are reading this, boys and or girls, I’ll miss you guys so much. The pool deck will not be the same without you. Please come visit,” junior and diver Carter Sturgis said.

DISCLAIMER: Reporter is a member of the girls swim team.