Trends in CIAC Girls Swimming: High School vs. Club Teams

News Summary

The CIAC girls swimming season in Connecticut is experiencing notable shifts as talented swimmers opt for club teams over high school swimming. With absences of top athletes, coaches are feeling mixed emotions but acknowledge the unique benefits of high school competitions. While club teams provide advanced training opportunities, the camaraderie and spirit found in high school swimming create lifelong memories for many athletes. This evolving landscape raises questions about the future of recruitment and performance in competitive swimming across the state.

Exciting Turns in CIAC Girls Swimming: Notable Absences and Club Swimming Trends

As the waters of high school swimming ripple across Connecticut, the CIAC girls swimming season has brought both thrilling competitions and notable shifts as some swimmers choose the allure of club teams over their high school squads. This season, eyes were drawn to exciting events like the State Open girls swimming championships, which showcased talented athletes like Greenwich’s Ellison Charette, Wethersfield’s Milena Brodowicz, and New Canaan’s Leni So. Each gave their all in the fierce competitions held on November 17, 2024.

Team Loyalty vs. Club Swimming

However, the start of the 2025 season has left some coaches with mixed feelings due to the absence of big talents like Seymour’s Ana David and Darien’s Charlotte VanDerzee. Both of these remarkable swimmers, who were celebrated as first-team All-State selections during their freshman year, made the decision to swim competitively for club teams instead. This trend has garnered attention among various coaches who express both disappointment and understanding.

Seymour girls’ swimming coach, Tom Jurzynski, feels the impact of losing such promising swimmers but also knows the importance of directing focus towards the teammates who are committed. Having coached the Seymour girls for the past four seasons, he is fully aware of the dynamics involved in these decisions. While he misses having stars like David, he respects the choices of swimmers who opt for club swimming.

Pride and Performance

Others in the coaching community echo similar sentiments. Brendan Heller, who manages both Greenwich’s girls in the fall and Woodland’s boys in the winter, emphasizes that while club swimming presents an opportunity for development, it can lack certain elements of high school competition. Specifically, the camaraderie and unique relay opportunities that high school swimming offers are irreplaceable.

Despite the challenges posed by club swimming, impressive stories emerge as well. In the past, several swimmers have disregarded their club coaches’ recommendations and returned to their high school teams, leading to stunning championship wins. In fact, Heller recalled a time when three returning All-State swimmers left for club teams, but joyfully returned to assist Greenwich in clinching the State Open title in 2023!

A Mixed Bag Across Teams