The Pius X swim and dive teams competed against Southwest high school on Wednesday night to mark the team’s senior night.

This year there are 15 senior swimmers and divers who had the opportunity to celebrate their senior night with their parents and coaches.

The underclassmen on the team huddled up to form a tunnel for the seniors to run under as their names were called. The announcer shared each senior’s plan for after high school and a favorite memory that they have each had with the team.

The swim and dive coaches have been with most of the seniors for all of their four years at Pius X and play a crucial role in their sport.

Caroline Novosad began swimming at Pius X, but switched to diving and has been with the team for three years.

“My coach has pushed me to stay with the sport, even through the difficult times,” Novosad said. “She has especially helped me overcome all the mental barriers that come with diving.”

Throughout six years of swimming, Emma Heasty has always enjoyed becoming friends with those who she would not have met if it wasn’t for her sport. She also has learned many life lessons from her coaches throughout her time as a swimmer.

“Coach Jody has really helped me to learn that a bad race isn’t going to ruin the rest of my season,” Heasty said. “She has also always put an importance on our health, with how much sleep we get and what we put into our bodies.”

As a senior, Novosad believes it is important to lead her teammates by encouraging them to do their best at every practice and meet.

“I encourage the underclassmen to put their trust in God and in their coaches,” Novosad said. “Everyone starts somewhere and messes up at times, but no matter what, everything will always turn out okay.”