Hot off of their second place finish last year, and stronger than ever, South’s girls swim team wanted more. Seeded first place in seven events headed into prelims, the team seemed unstoppable. With a strong showing on the first day from both South and the two-time defending state champions, Farmington Hills Mercy, it was going to be a battle.
Headed into the day of finals, head coach John Fodell had an optimistic head for his team. Even though they were seeded down 11 points going into finals, and at one point during the meet 20 points, Fodell still believed there was a chance to win it all. While the meet came down to the last event, eventually grasping South a second place finish, Fodell could not have been more proud of his swimmers.
“You say second [place], but they won five events,” Fodell said. “Second [place] by two points [with] 10 All-Americans and 25 All-State [swimmers].”
Defending state champion in the 50 freestyle, senior captain Whitney Handwork had a phenomenal meet, placing first in both the 200 freestyle relay and the 50 freestyle, while adding on two second place finishes in the 400 freestyle relay and the 100 freestyle.
“The reason we were able to swim so well and get second at states was because of how much each of us supported each other,” Handwork said. “We were really proud of ourselves for how we placed, it was a bit disappointing to be so close to first place but we all knew how much we accomplished.”
Adding onto South’s incredible states meet was All-American swimmer Caroline Bryan ’28. Bryan took home first place in the 200 freestyle relay and the 100 butterfly, while tacking on two second place finishes in the 400 freestyle relay and the 200 IM.
“Going into the meet we felt really confident and knew we had a solid chance at winning,” Bryan said. “It was really cool to see when we all came together how much we could actually accomplish.”
As states wrapped up, and Fodell looked back on the year, he knew this team was special. Taking a small public school and throwing them into contention with private schools able to recruit, and competing with them is nearly unheard of.
“I can say without a doubt this is the most successful girls team that has ever went through South,” Fodell said.
