This year our girls swim team made huge strides, finishing runner up in a very competitive district. Led by senior swimmer, Anika Kennedy, the ladies squad team had the most successful girls swim season in recent memory. 

With the largest group of swimmers to ever go to states, our girls 200-free relay team achieved huge successes. With splits ranging from 25.4 seconds to 26.01 seconds, our girls finished 11th overall with a time of 1 minute and 43 seconds. Our girls surpassed all expectations, having swum their fastest all season at this meet. 

Performing this way at States was a huge accomplishment.  

As for Kennedy, she has been a member of the swim team for seven years, having started swimming for the Falcons in 6th grade. This year Kennedy posted very impressive times of 25.22 seconds in the 50 free, 56.65 seconds in the 100 free, and 30.01 seconds in the 50 backstroke. 

SSES Swim coach, Coach Hart, shared how proud she is of of Anika as a leader and swimmer: “Anika was our most impactful female swimmer this year, winning the 50 free and the 200 free relay at Districts and qualifying both of those events to the State meet in Stuart, Florida. As team captain, Anika led by example, her actions setting a constant example of how to prepare diligently for a successful season,” Hart said. 

When asked what made Kennedy so successful throughout her career, Kennedy said, “I believe that being dedicated, pushing myself in practice, working on my technique, and having coaches and teammates that support me has attributed to my success.”

Even though Kennedy is leaving big shoes to fill as a leader and player, her influence on the team will be forever standing. 

As to whether or not Kennedy will swim in college, Kennedy said, “She hasn’t decided yet.” 

Anika Kennedy is a well-rounded athlete, as well as a strong student, making it only appropriate for her to be the Gauntlet’s athlete of the week.