By Avery Moulton – Staff Reporter

Senior captain Gianna Gagliardi is excited about the 2023 swim and dive year. 

The swim and dive team is 3-2 to start the year with wins against West Haven, Hamden, and Mercy and losses against Daniel Hand and Lyman Hall.

“The team is looking great,” Gagliardi said. “We received new talent from incoming freshman class so that helped a lot and our recurring members improved over the off season.”

Gagliardi has been involved in swimming for years. She swims for a club team aside from Law’s team. 

She loves being with her teammates and building closer relationships with them. 

“We do a lot of team bonding, our biggest priority is making sure that everyone is having fun and getting along with one another,” Gagliardi said. “Team bonding is everyone’s favorite part about the swim season.”

The captains of the swim team are seniors Christina Ayala and Sarah Bagdasarian. The team is led by head coach Rob Rosner and assistant coach Mr. Lui.

“Our overall goal is to get as many girls as possible to states,” Lui said. “We have really close meets this year and we want to come out on top.”

Gagliardi has already qualified for states in the 200 freestyle. She is continuing to push herself and qualify in more events

“She always takes action when something needs to get done, and even in the pool she works very hard to perform better in meets,” junior Natalia Gagliardi said. “She is always working hard to build up her endurance.”

Gagliardi is very motivated and wants to lead the team to success. No matter the circumstances, she is always willing to step up.

“The skills and strengths Gianna has as a captain is that she always takes responsibility and she is there to help no matter what,” sophomore Melissa Servas said. “She is very good at handling all situations professionally and never fails to keep positive vibes throughout the team.” 

Servas and Natalia Gagliardi have built close relationships with the team due to Gagliardi’s help. She brings people closer together and helps win as a team.

“Gianna is the really great type of captain who doesn’t use the fact she is a captain for authority, she is still very close to the team no matter what position she’s in,” sophomore Sarah McCann said.

Gagliardi and the swim team are excited to continue with the 2023 season and see what successes will be showcased from the swimmers.