If I took anything away from Marine Biology sophomore year, it is that there are subtle, yet undeniable similarities between the aquatic environment and that of Garfield. I have seen freshmen who resemble minnows, administrators swooping around like hammerhead sharks, and teachers acting as if they were Poseidon himself. However, the greatest correlation between the two ecosystems is how one group of around 75 girls have taught themselves to swim like dolphins.

Enter the Garfield girls swim team. One of the school’s few sports gems, the swim team has been consistently first-class for as long as the wise ones can remember. The team has lost one of their fastest swimmers from last year in Melissa Oishi, but seniors Maddy Morgan and Jordan Hannah, and junior Fiona Majeau have already qualified for state, and a plethora of others are fighting for a spot. These girls look good — really good.

With a team of 75 people, one cannot hope for everyone to be a state qualifier, and those particular individuals that are have the right attitude.

Morgan, one of the team captains, comments, “Everyone puts in a lot of effort. trying to improve your time is important for everyone, not just those going to state.”

While everyone is concerned about their own times, the girls are still adamant about rooting each other on.

As Majeau puts it, “The group is really oriented around team spirit.”

This atmosphere has produced a record of only three losses in as many years, an island in a sea of mediocre Garfield sports. After tying for first in state two years ago and winning second last year, both Majeau and Morgan have high hopes for the post season this year. Senior Lily Anderson, a newcomer to swimming this year, had a few words.

“With swimming being a no cut sport you might expect it to be bad, but it is completely what you make it.”

Some girls have made swimming into more of a lifestyle than a sport, and we will see what they accomplish this year. Finally, for all you guys: I hate to burst your bubbles, but as Anderson puts it,

“No, girls swimming isn’t really like boys swimming in the locker room.”