GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (GRPS) -- The Union Redhawks girls swim and dive team is making a splash this season with a blend of returning talent and promising new athletes. Under the leadership of Head Coach Ian Wesolowski—a former Redhawk swimmer himself—the team is focused on building momentum in the water this year.
“We had a good group of younger swimmers last year, so I’m excited to see how they’ll progress further,” said Wesolowski. “We’re also looking to grow the team. We have some new girls joining as freshmen, and that’s exciting.”
With athletes from multiple schools coming together to represent Union, team unity is essential—and it’s something Wesolowski has been intentional about cultivating.
“We have good leadership,” he said. “Our seniors and rising seniors have done a good job of hosting bonding activities to make sure the team is connected outside of the pool.”
That leadership is evident in swimmers like Autumn Braun, a senior whose commitment helps set the tone. When asked to describe the team’s atmosphere, Braun stated, “it’s awesome, amazing, everyone is so fun.”
Sophomore Neela Sharma shared that same positivity. “I think everyone is really excited for the season and probably equally nervous, just like I am,” she said. “I’m feeling optimistic, and I’m excited to welcome new swimmers to the team. Overall, things are positive.”
The team trains with intention, following structured practices that simulate meet conditions.
“We warm up on land and do all of our stretches, and then we do warmups in the pool,” explained sophomore Raiya Reppart. “After that, we do our timed sets and finish by cooling down.”
Throughout the season, Redhawk swimmers are focused on sharpening their techniques and pushing past previous limits.
“I’m going to work on the undulation of my fly kick—my dolphin kick,” said Sharma. “That’s a stroke I’ve struggled with, so I’d like to improve on that and be able to swim it in relays to help the team.”
For junior Emersen Brower, the goal is speed and progression. “When I made championship finals for my 100m fly last year, it took a lot of work, and I just squeezed in. I’m proud that I did,” she said. “I hope to get faster this year and maybe by senior year get on the record board.”
Reppart is also aiming to improve after a solid freshman season. “Last year was my first year doing swim. I competed during conference in the 200m freestyle,” she said. “During qualifying I dropped 15 seconds off my time and qualified for the finals. I was really proud of that.”
For senior Abigail Lyons, purpose drives her both in the water and beyond. “I don’t want to be a person who can’t do something, and I don’t want people thinking I can’t do it either,” Lyons shared. “I know my effort impacts how I’m perceived. With swim and with school, I’m aware that colleges are watching me, and they want people who know how to stay motivated. It’s definitely important to me to make a good impression.”
Coach Wesolowski sees that mindset across the board. “I remind them of the goals they set at the beginning of the season and the team goals we have for each other,” he said. “I also make sure we do things in practice that we want to do at the meets.”
One meet that’s already on the calendar as a highlight is the annual Freshman/Sophomore Invitational, co-hosted with Ottawa Hills. “It’s a great opportunity to see what some of the younger swimmers can do,” Wesolowski said.
One lap at a time, the Redhawks girls swim team is ready to make an impact this season.
