The Hollins University swim team finished the 2008-09 season with four wins and six losses, an improvement over the previous season. This success resulted from a great blend of first-year and veteran swimmers.

A new ODAC schedule featuring many more tri- and quad-meets was the biggest challenge the team faced this year, but it was met with talent, energy and creativity. Highlights include strong showings at the traditional season-opening Green and Gold meet, the Yellow Jacket Invitational, and the ODAC/Atlantic States Championship, where several of our swimmers were individual standouts.

With the end of this season the team bids farewell to two members who epitomize the term “scholar-athlete.” In addition to her excellence as a swimmer, Crystal Clusiau, who graduated in December, created her own major, studied in Paris, was an active participant in the Batten Leadership Institute, and will receive the Hollins Wilderness Education Association Certification. Rianna Jones, who graduates this spring, was a team leader, both in and out of the pool. She studied in Japan, was active in the Batten Leadership Institute, and worked towards an honors thesis.

Crystal and Rianna made outstanding contributions to the Hollins swim team with their hard work and the incredible synergy they created around them. We will miss them.