Ellie Hommel attends Gilbert Christian High School and is a member of the AIA's student SID program.

Kambry Tutty, a sophomore at Gilbert Christian High School, said her time in swimming went down, “...depending on the event, [her time] dropped between 3 (100 free) and 30 seconds (500 free),” all in one season! Tommie Rivituso, a sophomore at the school, time dropped too, “almost a full minute on the 500 free and fifteen seconds on the 50 free.”  What kind of community would this team need for this amount of improvement? How satisfying it must be to see your hard work not go to waste. The swim team at GCHS is a great community, full of encouragement for each other!

Melody Pinkerton, the swim coach, shares a fond memory of “Watching our small boys team (only six guys) bond and show incredible support for one another. With so few boys on the team, having a great amount of support for one another can boost confidence and hard work.” This also shows how close they must be, and how encouraging the community is for each other.  Kambry Tutty, adds, “I also love the team because everyone on it is super chill and funny.” With an enjoyable setting and large support from other members, all are encouraged during practices and meets to put forth his/her best.   

A goal for the team was to make it to the state meet and to do it with joy. A goal that they have successfully and happily accomplished. Coach Pinkerton says, “We are heading into the state meet this weekend having qualified with six relays (three girl’s events and three guy’s events), and five individual events to swim!” For only having 21 members, both boys and girls combined, this is quite a lot!  Kambry said, “Her goal was to make it to state,” this year, and  “Yes [she] did!” This team's hard work has paid. Best of luck at the state meet at Phoenix Country Day pool today and on Saturday, November 6th, Go Knights!