First Colonial Patriots swim to second VHSL state title
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — “My mom told me once to swim my heart out for the little girl who first fell in love with the sport,” says First Colonial High School freshman Addy Roberts. “I think about that before each race.”
Addy is one of the nine members of First Colonial’s back to back Class 5 state championship girls’ swim team, most of whom found their love of the sport on their summer swim teams at their neighborhood pools like Alanton and Little Neck.
While many of the teams competing at the championship meet consisted of 20 or more swimmers, the Patriots captured their title with only nine, including first place finishes in the the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.
Junior Madison Hartley says, “Winning states for the second year in a row really shows our team atmosphere and attitude. We support and want the best for each other. Swimming with FC has been one of the best things about my high school career. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Senior Faith Sconing adds, “It’s just a special thing to be a part of. Everyone is so hardworking and dedicated and it’s so inspiring. The camaraderie is the best part about it, though.The friendships I’ve made are unlike any other.”
Teammates Samantha Tadder and Sophia Knapp swam together as young girls and finished first and second in the 500 meter freestyle. Sophia, a junior, also claimed top spot in the 200 meter freestyle. Says Knapp, “I cannot wait for next year with our awesome group of girls!”
Tadder, a senior committed to swimming at Stanford University next year, also finished first in the 100 meter breaststroke with a new state 5A record of 1:00.53. “High school swimming has given me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself and make an impact in my school community. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of such an amazing group of people and to have formed relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Coach Cassondre Wilburn says the team worked exceptionally hard this year with a specific focus on bringing back a second state title. “These girls are a dedicated group that has excelled throughout the extenuating circumstances surrounding the pandemic. Coach Hudson and I are very proud of them!”
Congratulations Team!
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