At a small school with rigorous academics like Washington and Lee, club sports have it tough. Instead of competing for victory against other schools, they compete for student participation against other aspects of student life.
But many clubs are thriving, including club swimming, which boasts over 40 members and is taking unprecedented steps forward.
“This year, we became part of College Club Swimming, sponsored by U.S. Masters Swimming, the national adult swimming league … we made history by becoming the first W&L club swim team to compete at an intercollegiate meet,” said Paige Gray, ’26, the vice president of the club.
Club swimming traveled to Lynchburg to participate in Eastern Regionals at Liberty University, where Gray said the team had “strong showings” in the 50 meter freestyle, 100 meter breaststroke and 1,000 meter freestyle.
While the club brought its competition goals to fruition this year, its upward trend began two school years ago. Gray said, “W&L club swimming has existed in different forms in previous years, but its current iteration was founded in 2023 by Rachel Romano and Evan Clark.”
Currently, Clark, ’26, is president and has worked with Gray to create a consistent practice schedule. The team practices from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
“These practices are flexible to attend. And people can show up wanting to do the written set on the board by one of the coaches or do whatever they need that day or just swim laps or even get one-on-one help from one of the leaders on their technique,” said Clark. He said he also encourages team members to swim any time during the pool’s open hours.
This flexibility and availability allows the club to build a strong culture and swim faster, Gray said.
“Competing also requires conditioning and practicing technique, which can only be accomplished in the pool. We are trying to build a fun and social community of swimmers at any level, so our executive members are happy to help out with swimming, technique, turns and dives.”
Clark said the club is a close-knit group.
“We are also small but mighty,” Clark said. “We like to get food together, typically third year, after each practice and are always talking and socializing while we are in the water.”
“We encourage everyone to socialize and get to know each other, Gray said. “The club also has team dinners often, and we plan to have more team-building activities outside the pool this semester.”
This team culture is one of the reasons Clark and Gray say they believe club swimming has enriched their lives.
“Club swimming has kept me accountable to going to the pool and keeping me super healthy and in good shape as a result,” Clark said. “It has definitely made me happier and stay in shape while also maintaining all my swimming skills and speed from high school.”
“Giving back by coaching the club team and mentoring younger students has been exceptionally rewarding for me,” Gray said. “Being able to help someone learn a new stroke for the first time and seeing their excitement afterward is such a wonderful feeling.”
Gray said club swimming is way to stay active, compete and meet new people.
“I met some of my best friends at W&L in the pool,” she said.
