By Colin Ehrman

Staff Writer

    Discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering, unequivocal work ethic. These are just a few of the traits it takes to become a great swimmer. In the pool, swimming pushes individuals to their aerobic limits and requires complex, full-body control. And while swimming stands as one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports, it doesn’t always receive its flowers. 

    As other sports at R.J. Reynolds High School captured the spotlight, swimming has quietly grown to become one of the school’s strongest teams, yet it is often overlooked. Heading into the 2025 swim season, RJR is coming off a successful 2024-25 season, which saw the girls’ team finish in the top three in the CPC and junior Cam Robertson earn Swimmer of the Year honors.

    Building on the accomplishments of previous seasons, the RJR swim team has found one of its greatest strengths not in water, but in the growing bond among team members and the exciting team culture.

    “For me, the team is just about having fun and cheering as loud as you can while your friends are swimming,” junior team captain Joseph Stanfield said. “We get people of all different skill levels and experience, and I think that’s what makes the RJR team so special. No matter how well you do or if you win or not, you’re still a big part of the team, and it’s just a lot of fun. The team culture is definitely geared towards having fun and cheering on teammates. I think that’s my favorite part about the meets and getting to compete with friends.” 

    While the team has built a strong bond over the years, creating one of the most fun team atmospheres in any sport at RJR, these swimmers are no strangers to hard work and demanding practices.

    “The early morning practices are definitely the hardest part of the swim team,” senior team captain Taylor Toal said. “I usually wake up around 5:20 a.m., but most people have to wake up earlier. Then we have practice from 6 to 7 a.m.” 

    While the team’s success can be attributed to their work in the pool, their coaching outside the pool plays just as big a role. Every practice and every workout is carefully planned by the team’s coaches. 

    “My role as a coach requires me to be able to determine what my swimmers need in order to best prepare them to reach their goals and reach their potential,” Assistant Coach Sallie Pittman said. “In some cases, it doesn’t have to do with the physical part of swimming and instead focuses on helping swimmers with the mental aspect of the sport. When I create practice sets, I try to vary them to meet different goals.”

     The RJR swim team’s success stems from its hands-on coaches and deep team bond, creating an atmosphere that most describe as a big, extended family. Swimming leaves an impact that most people simply wouldn’t understand.

    “My favorite thing about swimming is how it makes me feel after practice and the sense of accomplishment after a hard set,” UNC Wilmington commit and senior captain Ava Kiser said. “What I love most about Reynolds Swim is our pasta dinners with the team before a swim meet, which brings the team together.”   

    With that being said, the RJR swim team will look to build on previous seasons and continue striving to be one of the top teams in the conference. In particular, the girls’ team is aiming to return to the state championship while remaining competitive in the CPC.

    Despite their rather unknown and unfamiliar status, the RJR swim team has certainly left their impact and their mark of success. That success is built on unity, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport.