For Girl Swimmers, Leadership Key in Return to Top in State

Traditionally considered a very strong program, the Lyons Township High School varsity girls swim team will face its first test of the season on Sept. 4 in a meet against  New Trier high school. The Lady Lions have been practicing since Aug. 11, working toward another strong season. 

As a team, the swimming Lions finished 8th at the IHSA state meet in 2009, and hopes to reach at least the same standing this year.

"We always strive to be [on the] top 10 side at the state meet, and usually we've always been there," Coach Scott Walker said. "To typically be well known in the state of Illinois for swimming is very respectable."

A handful of seasoned veterans lead the team this year, including senior superstar Gigi Groya. Groya—who last year at state individually placed 3rd in the 100-meter backstroke and 11th in the 100-meter freestyle events—along with senior Madeleine Moeller, senior Hillary Weigand, her sister junior Jennifer Weigand, and sophomore Ellie Vitek, have the distinction of being some of the most accomplished swimmers on the roster.

"We're old, but we have some youth in us too," Walker said. "I think there's a ton of potential, and the younger girls are very capable and are a good group."

Despite retaining some key swimmers, the squad feels the effect of the loss of graduating seniors.

"We lost Erika Ronning, Allie and Jenny Grimes, Kristi Carling, and three year All-American Annie Radville," Walker said. "The entire senior class were great leaders, had great personalities, and great work ethic."

The medley relay team of Groya, Moeller, Ronning, and Radville took fourth at the IHSA competition in '09, which was a new school record.

While the talented swimmers' departure will hurt the team, Walker said the younger girls can look up to Groya's achievements to improve their own form.

"You are who you swim with," Walker said. "Seeing [Groya] swim gives the girls confidence, and swimming alongside her in practice lets the others see what they have to do to and how hard they have to work to become a star."

And despite the losses, Groya believes the team has what it takes to succeed in 2010. Both Groya and Moeller responded to questions by e-mail.

"The support and bond we have with each other are our strengths," Groya said. "We're also a very talented team all across the board. Every member of the team matters and we wouldn't be the LT girls swim team with out every single girl."

The chemistry between the girls is seemingly one of a kind, which allows for stronger unity during practices and meets.

"We work very well together and cheer each other on all the time," Groya said. "Sometimes it can get competitive for spots or positions in relay [teams], but that's what makes us such a great team."

The group's cohesion is even further enhanced by designated outings to build team spirit and harmony.

"We do many activities outside of the water that have become traditions over the years," Moeller said. "Some include going to Blueberry Hill for breakfast after practice, participating in the [LTHS homecoming] variety show, going to a haunted house for Halloween, and many more."