This season’s swim team is sure to inspire the school and embody the true spirit of being a Crusader. Having completed five meets so far this year, Riordan’s swim team has been the perfect picture of determination and strength.
This season has been difficult for the team, with some cancellations involving practices and missed meets, and most importantly, the absence of star players from the year before.
Athlete Corrina Couch ’26 shared that although it’s been difficult in their absence, she has hope and is optimistic about her last season of swimming.
“Marco and Jack leaving really brought down the team this year,” said Couch. “But I know how hard this season’s team has worked to take on new leadership.”
Other forms of leadership, however, have remained strong during this difficult time. Coach Gwen Doran has been with
the team for over six years and coaching swim for over 20. She has led teams to multiple CCS championships.
She has put in lots of effort for the team and made large sacrifices to get them through events. Coach Gwen described how students from Mercy and Riordan that she had previously coached inspired her to start a team at Riordan.
“Some people may not know the history of this team even though they are only six years old,” said Coach Gwen. “It has been a labor of love.”
All players on the team this year have put in effort to swim their maximum number of events, even managers, making sacrifices for the greater benefits of the team.
Another senior athlete on the team, Delaney Flanagan ’26, competes in both the 500 and 200 yard relays and the 50 and 100 yard individual events.
She acknowledged this season’s difficulties, but feels that these obstacles have overall brought the team closer.
“We don’t have some of our best swimmers this year, but I feel that our team chemistry is at an all-time high,” said Flanagan.
While this season looks a little different from previous years, the team’s perseverance and dedication are a true testament to what Archbishop Riordan’s swim team has grown to become.
