On Nov. 23, the girls’ swimming and diving team placed second in the state finals. According to coach John Fodell, this was the highest placement for girls’ swim in Grosse Pointe South history.

“Everyone knew it was going to be a battle,” Fodell said. “But (the swimmers) came in and did it together as a team.”

Fodell said he felt especially excited about this high placement because the team’s score exceeded his initial expectations.

“(We had) such a young team,” Fodell said. “(I was hoping) to be top 14.”

According to swimmer Phoebe Bedsworth ’22, achieving second place in states was an amazing feeling.

“My favorite part (about states) was getting to be on the podium with all my teammates and holding the second place trophy,” Bedsworth said. “It was fun to be up there with my team.”

Captain Hannah Blanzy ’20 said the bond between the team played a major role in making sure everyone felt confident for states.

“A goal of mine was to be a good leader for the younger girls,” Blanzy said. “I think the biggest struggle was making time to bond outside of practices and meets, but (I loved) getting super close with the girls and cheering each other on during their events.”

Although it was difficult to practice constantly, Bedsworth said the team’s hard work and dedication paid off.

“(It was hard) to each practice continuously after long school days,” Bedsworth said. “But we did very well, the best we’ve done yet.”

Fodell attributes the team’s success to the hard work put into practice daily.

“(I) try to make them as tired as possible before (I) rest them at the end of the season,” Fodell said. “They performed all the way through.”

According to Fodell, placing second in states was a huge accomplishment, as the team prepared for states months in advance.

“We always seem to show up and race pretty hard,” Fodell said. “We were always trying to get ready for the bigger event at the end of the season.”