The swim and dive team faced off against Cal Lutheran University for their senior day Jan. 21. A majority of the eight seniors competing posted season-best performances, with three seniors taking home first place in their respective events.
Amanda George (senior) won the 1650 yard freestyle during the meet. George said the emotions of this being her final season haven’t fully hit her yet.
“It was such a whirlwind […] so many alumni came back, a bunch of the seniors from last year,” George said. “I was balancing all of my friends [and] family [as well as] swimming and I honestly didn’t process it at all.”
George said throughout her four years at Occidental, she has seen the growth of the swim team and that it is exciting to celebrate the experience.
“It was a celebration of friends and everything we’ve done together,” George said. “Especially with how long I have been a part of the swim team.”
Katie Dannenbring (first year) won the 200 yard breaststroke. Dannenbring said her favorite part of the celebration was the speeches the juniors delivered to send off the seniors.
“The juniors [gave] senior speeches,” Dannenbring said. “It was so sad. Even though I’m a freshman and I haven’t been here long, I was still crying.”
According to Dannenbring, the intense training all comes to fruition at these big events.
“Swimming can be really hard during practice,” Dannenbring said. “You have very long stretches of a lot of work, and it’s not super exciting. So I feel when we go to a meet, we already put in all the work –– now it’s the time for fun.”
According to Dannenbring, her teammates are both her friends and competitive rivals during practice.
“I feel most of the teamwork part is in practice, which is the hardest part,” Dannenbring said. “That’s when you’re supporting each other most.”
Dannenbring said while supporting her teammates, she is also pushing them to improve.
“You’re trying to beat each other, but in the process of trying to beat each other you both get better,” Dannenbring said.
Connor Grant (sophomore) won first in the 200 yard freestyle. Grant said he looks up to his older teammates both in their athletic ability and in the way they can balance the different requirements of college and swimming.
“Last year, I looked up to Carter Park ’25. He was a great role model,” Grant said. “He also cared a lot about recovery, which influenced the way I planned my whole day: making sure I get my work done so I don’t have to stay up late.”
Grant said several athletes, including himself, have been dealing with long-term injuries. Grant said he continues to swim while he goes through physical therapy.
“You definitely need people to be there, just to know that you’re not the only one who’s going through the hardships and the tough practices,” Grant said. “If you can find someone to race, it makes it a million times better.”
According to Grant, the important things to focus on are what you can control.
“I can’t control the fact that my labrum is torn,” Grant said. “But I can do [physical therapy], make sure I get good sleep, make sure I’m doing my homework on time.”
Dannenbring said the way she visualizes a good meet centers on how her body feels in the moment.
“You’re just staring at a line, going back and forth,” Dannenbring said. “All you have to think about is how you’re feeling; how your body’s feeling.”
Grant said he imagines his movements in the pool beforehand.
“There’s tangibles and intangibles,” Grant said. “I want to hit this many kicks off the walls, but then I also think about how I’ll feel in the water; how I want my stroke to feel.”
According to George, swimming has taught her the importance of community and the capacity to push herself, two lessons she will take with her after college.
“I know when my body can do more,” George said. “Swimming gives you this assurance of your capacity to push beyond pain.”
Contact Cole Banks at cbanks@oxy.edu
