This season, St. Charles West and St. Charles High combined powers and had one girls swim team between schools. With state finishing up, now is the perfect time to explain what this united team is and how it came to be.

With a lack of swimmers on both teams, a meeting was held where it was decided that a united swim team would be a good decision. “I think this will really benefit the future of the Pirate and Warrior swimmers.” Stella Garrison, senior, said. With a 3-5 season record, these girls rocked the pool this season.

Senior Molly Grieb thought that this change created a new and unique environment for the team. “I will say, some people missed the way things used to be but for the most part, everyone really seemed to enjoy and benefit from the change. I loved it because I got

to swim with new, different personalities and create a unique bond with people who I’d never expected” Grieb said.

She felt this was a positive change and  since one of the coaches, Paul Wright, has coached at the Olympics. “He  was highly encouraging, lots of expectations, but believed in us and motivated us the whole way.” Grieb said.  She also pointed out that having a larger team improved the overall team score.