WESTON, Mass. – Early morning practices and team bonding experiences have guided the Regis College swimming and diving team through its preseason schedule as the Pride enter their first competition of the 2021-22 campaign this weekend.
With a mix of veterans who have performed well in championship situations and newcomers eagerly anticipating their first official collegiate competition, the student-athletes have been given the opportunity to come together as a team. They have also quickly adapted to the style of a new coaching staff, led by first-year head coach Diana Matthews.
"Our team here at Regis is not only building relationships in the pool, but out of the pool as well," said Matthews. "They do a lot of team bonding things together. Also, it's been great for them to be able to walk around and form friendships with other students on campus."
Leading the way for the Pride are conference champions Kyleigh Boatwright (Roseville, Calif.), Julia Burke (Barrington, N.H.), Alexa Lancisi (Milford, Mass.), Brendan Pike (Weymouth, Mass.), and Robert Wood (Cathedral City, Calif.). Boatwright and Pike are also providing leadership as captains along with Thalia Bowie (Lexington, Mass.) and Mallytza Ibarra Davila (Yuma, Ariz.).
Other Pride swimmers with previous collegiate competition experience include senior Abigail Geaney (Lynn, Mass.) along with juniors Cecelia Adelfio (Gloucester, Mass.), Luke Jubinville (Warwick, R.I.), and Shawna MacNeil (Medford, Mass.). The team also welcomes several first- and second-year student-athletes eager to begin competing.
"I'm super excited for the season. It's great to have them get back in the water, compete against other schools, and see what they can accomplish. We're just looking forward to what the future holds for us," said Matthews.
The 2021-22 season begins Saturday, Oct. 9, with a home meet against University of Saint Joseph and University of New England starting at 11 a.m. The Pride will also host a double-dual meet against Norwich and Babson Nov. 13, plus they will welcome Husson to the Regis Pool Dec. 4 and Elms twice, Dec. 3 and Jan. 22.
Regis is once aiming for a strong performance at the GNAC Championships, taking place Feb. 4-6 at the Wellesley Sports Center in Wellesley, Mass. Those who qualify will also compete at the NEISDA Championships in Kingston, R.I., Feb. 24-27.