Each new freshman class brings a group of student-athletes who are focused on excelling in their respective sports. Though new to the bigger stage of high school athletics, many underclassmen players contribute to their team’s performance throughout the season.
Coach Jeff Thompson, head of varsity swimming and diving, emphasizes the profound impact of underclassmen on the team.
“You’ve got to be ready to go because, you know, there are 18, 19 year old boys in the Inter-Ac and 14 and 15 year olds competing against them,” Coach Thompson said. “They might not be as big and as strong, but if their strokes are clean and their skills are good they can compete.”
Underclassmen athlete Ana Navarro ‘28 is driven by the accolades of her team and teammates; she hopes to maintain swimming and diving’s undefeated streak by continuing the practices and traditions set by the class of 2024.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Navarro said. “We’re just gonna keep doing what they’re doing and try to get better every year.”
Her milestones this season include breaking the girls one-meter six dive record with 285 points, although this record was later beaten by Libby Brewer ‘24.
The key to Navarro’s continued success is effective conversation with coaches, which has led to a mutual understanding of desired results.
“It’s really important for me to tell my coaches what I want,” Navarro said. “So they can tell how serious I am about this and help me reach my goals.”
Wynne Campell ‘28, new to Germantown Academy this year, served as the starting varsity field hockey goalkeeper through her freshman season. Additionally, she broke the school record for saves with an impressive number of 356; Campbell attributes her success to putting in the extra work.
“Taking the extra time that you have after you’re done with schoolwork,” Campbell said. “Taking the extra time to work on training and practicing, and taking it seriously.”
Campbell also accredits the support of her mother, Coach Diane Campbell, who leads as head field hockey coach, with her milestones.
“I always have her on the sidelines, keeping me positive,” Campbell said.
She believes that the classes of 2027 and 2028 will contribute valuable experience and continued leadership to the program.
Max Berman ‘28 similarly boasts an impressive record, standing at 33 wins and 6 losses in the current wrestling season. Further accolades include a fourth-place finish at Beast of the East and a national ranking of 20th in his weight class.
Berman finds motivation in the challenges that his teammates bring to the wrestling mat. He chalks up his success to the support of his training partners and coaches, who prioritize his health and provide personalized attention.
“All the training partners here are great to drill with and I know I have coaches looking out for me,” Berman said.
Moreover, observing his teammates’ success in recruitment inspires Berman to strive for similar achievements and eventually surpass his peers.
“I see a lot of them being recruited by colleges and having a lot of success,” Berman said. “So that motivates me because I feel like I could do that also.”
Moving forward, underclassmen are already preparing to fill the shoes of the graduating class of 2025.
“There’s just certain ways Germantown Academy swimming and diving functions, certain things that we do that people are like “Oh that’s GA”; all those traditions and things have been carried forward,” Coach Thompson said. “But I always tell people: I want them to walk in their own shoes, and so this ninth and tenth grade class, when they’re seniors, I hope they add to the tradition.”
Though new to the Upper School’s athletic community, underclassmen are already making an impact and getting ready to take on bigger team roles.