The Moravian swim team dove headfirst into a Florida training trip–pushing their limits in the pool and building bonds outside of it. Their training spanned most of winter break; with a fun, yet challenging, training trip to Florida to end it off.
The swim team trained hard, with two 2-hour practices every day, besides their one day off. It was more intense than normal training, with their practices reaching distances of 12,000 yards.
This year, the team stayed at the Residence Inn in Pompano Beach, where they had access to the beautiful beach right in their backyard. When it was time to practice, the swim team either went to Houston Sworn Aquatic Center or Pompano Aquatic Center. At Pompano Aquatic Center, they were extra challenged by swimming in a long-course pool – just like professional swimmers do.
The team was able to find motivation during these hard practices by feeling the sun on their skin while swimming outside, which Coach Easterday noted is something they don’t get to experience back at home.
Coach Matt Easterday organized the trip. “On this trip, they got a lot closer and really got to know one another and came together for the last few weeks of the season,” Easterday said.
He noticed that even though he had designed longer and more challenging practices, the team responded well and took on the challenge.
Since most of the team had never been on a training trip, this was a very exciting experience for all members.
Easterday explained that this trip was important to bring the team together. While they were training hard in the pool, they were also bonding together as a team; whether it be through tanning at the beach, coming together to make dinner, or channeling their inner child and playing ‘Marco Polo’ in the pool.
Ashlee Limbacher, a new member of the Moravian swim team, was able to work toward her goal of simply having fun during her last year on a swim team. Limbacher explained that the bonding that took place over this trip helped calm her nerves before big meets. When Limbacher feels a sense of camaraderie with her team, she is better able to focus on her goal of having fun last season.
Everyone on the swim team has their own personal goals, but only with the support of their teammates will they be able to achieve them. Some people are more focused on having fun, while others are more focused on their race times. Either way, that is why this trip was so important. The small team was able to grow into a tight-knit unit to finish out the season strong.
The Moravian swim team is looking for new athletes to join the team! If you have experience with competitive swimming and are looking to get involved on campus, reach out to coach Matt Easterday at [email protected]. Coach Easterday is excited to grow the team and would love for experienced swimmers to reach out!
