Hollins University

The Hollins swim team grew in numbers and expectations this year. Even though the majority of the team graduated after last season, the squad nearly tripled in size, thanks to a large and talented first-year class that brought energy and excitement to the pool.

Hollins took on several new opponents this season, including both Division I and Division II schools, and this young team faced stiff competition from the very start. Still, the team managed to compile a season record of 3-6.

While new faces and challenges gave the program a different feel in many respects this season, one attribute did not change: the rate at which Hollins swimmers dropped individual times and earned honors. Maggie Dwyer '14 received All-ODAC Honorable Mention for her performance at the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships. Dwyer, Sage Otto '13, and Claire Caprio '14 all earned Hollins Student Athlete of the Week recognition this year. Over the course of the season, Hollins swimmers completed an astonishing 182 lifetime-best swims and the team set 11 varsity records.

The Hollins swim team graduates just one senior this year; building on the momentum of this season, the future looks good for this young squad.

The seniors on Hollins University’s swim team ended their careers in style at the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships in February, finishing sixth overall and achieving numerous personal records and other honors along the way.

Seniors Cameron Foster, Erin Lavender-Stott, and Caroline Studley each had a career meet, setting multiple lifetime-best times. Sage Otto '13 followed their example, earning All-ODAC Honorable Mention.

The standout performances at the ODAC Championships were consistent with the team’s effort throughout its 4-6 season. Hollins swimmers battled to the end in every meet, losing several meets by less than 20 points, and displayed an unselfish approach typified by the willingness of many team members to swim in different types of events depending on which opponent Hollins faced. As the season progressed, team members lowered their times and became increasingly competitive. In recognition, Foster, Lavender-Stott, Studley and Otto, along with Kate Teiken '12, received Hollins Student Athlete of the Week honors.

The senior leaders on the swim team passed along the qualities of determination, a positive attitude, and an unparalleled work ethic to a very talented and eager group of underclassmen, giving the program a strong framework for the future. From the first meet that featured over 20 lifetime bests through the final crowd-pleasing relay at the ODAC Championships, the 2009-10 season is one that will be long-remembered.