The GA swim and dive program opened its winter season with renewed energy, a strengthened training program and expectations shaped by one of the most successful stretches in program history. Both the boys and girls teams enter the season undefeated in the Inter-Ac League for four straight seasons. The program also earned two combined Easterns titles in that span, with the girls team having secured the Easterns championship title in each of the last four years.
Head coach Mr. Matt Cox describes the early part of the season as centered around a combination of connection, preparation and adapting to newly updated expectations. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships across the program and approaching new challenges with an open mindset.
“In the early part of the season, we want people to get to know teammates outside their usual bubble,” Mr. Cox said. “Taking on new challenges with a positive mindset is super important.”
Cox introduced several changes to support event development and elevate training intensity. Morning practices now begin with dryland workouts, allowing athletes to complete strength work before entering the water. Afternoon practices include structured race-pace efforts that pair swimmers against teammates in similar events. This shift is designed to help athletes prepare for the competitive demands of the Inter – Ac season and postseason meets.
“We’ve shifted our training so that practices are more intentional,” Cox said. “We’re getting into the time of the season now where there’s a little more nuance in the practices. I’m trying to give the individual athletes as much TLC as I possibly can, given their respective events.”
Even though the first meet has not taken place yet, the girls team entered the season with clear goals after four straight Easterns victories and unmatched Inter-Ac consistency. Junior swimmer and Harvard commit Amelia Gipson ‘26 said the team is motivated to extend its championship streak through disciplined training and strong leadership.
“I think the girls team can do very well,” Gipson ‘26 said. “I think we can win the Inter-Ac. We’re going to work our hardest, and that’ll be enough.”
Gipson, who swims the 500 free and 200 individual medley, said she hopes to set the tone early in the season. She also completed the college recruiting process in the fall, committing to Harvard University after visiting several other programs.
“The second I stepped foot on campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Gipson said. “It was the coaches, the girls on the team and the academic rigor that really drew me in.”
Strong leadership from captains Camryn Jones ‘25 and Sofia Bell ‘25 has helped unify the team during the initial weeks of practice. Both captains have been instrumental in helping underclassmen adapt to the program’s training demands and maintaining consistency across groups.
The boys team enters the season with four consecutive undefeated Inter-Ac finishes and growing depth across freestyle and stroke events. With returning postseason experience and a strong core of upperclassmen, the group looks to carry forward its streak while preparing for key meets later in the winter.
As the season continues, GA swim and dive will focus on building meet day sharpness while strengthening connections across groups and maintaining the competitive edge that has defined the program’s recent success. With strong leadership, refined training and championship expectations, GA enters the winter hunting for another standout season.