As Brighton High School’s varsity girls swim and dive season comes to a close, emotions run high for the seniors who have spent the past four years dedicating countless hours in the pool and forming lifelong friendships. Between early morning practices, evening meets and frequent team dinners, this season has been one to remember. Though conferences and the MHSAA state meet still lie ahead, the girls have concluded their dual meet season with a 6-1 record, meaning the seniors’ days left on the team are numbered.
Senior and team captain Maggie Burchfield reflected on how much the team has grown since her freshman year.
“The leadership has definitely changed throughout our seasons,” Burchfield said. “We’ve been trying to have more team bondings and really get the team connected so we all feel like a tight-knit family.”
This strong sense of connection has carried the team through some of its toughest practices and biggest meets. Burchfield credits both her coaches and teammates for shaping who she is today.
“They’ve made me a better person, mentally and physically, pushing me to be the best I can be and reminding me that I can do it,” she said.
While Burchfield expressed pride in her individual accomplishments, she also enjoyed “just being with everyone at conferences, cheering each other on and seeing all our hard work pay off.”
Fellow senior and captain Lily Storey shared similar feelings about the friendships that have defined her swim career.
“The thing I’ll miss most is my friends,” Storey said. “We’re together every day, so it’s going to be weird not seeing them all the time.”
Storey also spoke about the discipline the sport taught her.
“Swimming taught me how to maintain a good schedule and balance school with extracurriculars,” she said. “Practicing before and after school gave me a routine that I know will help me after high school.”
Her proudest achievement this year wasn’t a personal best but personal growth.
“I’ve been a better teammate to all my friends,” she said. “If someone’s having a bad day, I try to cheer them up and give advice. It’s about being there for each other.”
Senior Josie Libler also added that the team’s chemistry this season made it unforgettable.
“We’ve all gotten so close,” Libler said. “Even during tough practices, everyone finds a way to make each other laugh. It’s like a second family, and that’s what I’ll miss the most.”
The team also developed pre-meet rituals to stay focused and connected.
“Before conferences, we’d visualize our races,” Storey said. “We’d sit in a room and meditate.”
Beyond the pool, the girls bonded over trips to Chili’s and even a spooky night at the Terrorfied Forest, memories that will last far beyond the season.
As the seniors prepare to dive into their next chapter, they leave behind more than records and wins; they also leave behind a legacy of teamwork and leadership.
