The girls varsity swim team competed against Mill Valley High School Thursday night. During this meet, the seniors girls were recognized as a part of senior night.
Senior Sophia Paduano said this was probably her worst meet of the season, however what was most important to her was celebrating with her teammates since it was their last dual meet of the season.
“It was touching to see so many people in the same area appreciate me for more than just my performance that I bring to the team,” Paduano said. “I am very thankful for this team supporting me.”
Junior swim team member Veronica Makarov said it was emotional to watch the seniors get recognized.
“It felt bittersweet and surreal because I know that will be me next year and I have grown up with those girls,” Makarov said.
Additionally, Paduano said being a part of the team has helped to encourage her to stay passionate about swimming.
“I have lost a lot of love for this sport over the last year or so, and swimming with this group of people and under our amazing coaches has turned on a light I forgot existed,” Paduano said.
Girls swim team coach Kyle Farrington said this group of seniors has put in a lot of work throughout their time at Northwest. He said the girls had great camaraderie on Thursday and it was a chance to celebrate the seniors’ contributions to the team.
Furthermore, Farrington said the leadership team this year was one of the strongest.
“This has been probably one of the better years for leadership that we’ve had in the past,” Farrington said. “We just have a bunch of really supportive girls that are excited to see each other swim and are excited to train with each other which is really, really nice.”
Additionally, Makarov said the seniors push the rest of the team.
“They help keep the team motivated and help us stay accountable for each other,” Makarov said.
Not only did the seniors have a positive impact on the team this season, Paduano said Farrington had a positive impact on her as well.
“He has impacted me in numerous positive ways. He has taught me many lessons and guided me on the rightful path for the last four years,” Paduano said. “I would not be the athlete I am today without his coaching.”
Farrington said coaches cannot always ensure connection among the team, however this group of girls bonded especially well leading to a strong team culture.
“It takes a special group of kids to be able to create a really cohesive group. A coach can’t always keep things from turning negative or personal,” Farrington said. “We can try to address it but it really just takes a solid group of kids to put together a team dynamic that can last even after they graduate.”
With the seniors graduating soon, Paduano said she hopes to leave an impact beyond athletic achievements.
“I hope to leave a legacy where I am not just remembered for my records and state titles, but where I am remembered as a resilient teammate who never failed to be there for someone around them,” Paduano said.
