Since the beginning of this school year, the girls swim and dive team have had to adjust to not being able to practice or compete at the newly built Hinsdale Central pool.

The pool poses a safety hazard because of an issue with the tiles on the pool deck and a problem with the flooring underneath, although the pool itself is fine.

Junior varsity groups have been practicing in the mornings at FMC in Westmont, while varsity groups and the dive team have been practicing in the afternoons at Hinsdale South. All home meets are held at Hinsdale South.

The change in location has been a big adjustment for the girls on the swim team. 

“We have to go to morning practice now, and we have to wake up earlier so it is hard during the school day to stay awake,” said Rashida Moosabhoy, a freshman on the swim team. 

Now, swimmers need to prioritize getting enough sleep because of the added travel times to get to and from practice. 

“I have had to learn how to do my homework earlier to get enough sleep,” said Leah Theoharous, a senior on the swim team.

The closing of the swimming pool has not only affected the swimmers, but also the coaches who have to adjust to the new schedule.

“I have to stay [at FMC] after practice to make sure all the girls are accounted for and on their way to school,” said Daniel Otahal, one of the coaches of the girls swim team. 

The swim team has tried to keep team spirit high during this difficult time, as many teammates are separated from each other during practices.

“[The teams] are separated as we don’t ever see varsity except for the one conjoined practice a week, or at a meet,” Moosabhoy said.

Upperclassman morale has specifically been affected by this drastic change.

“It is toughest on our seniors to not be able to compete in the pool they have trained in for the past three years,” Otahal said. 

The girls swim team hopes to return to the Hinsdale Central pool by October of this year.

To follow the girls swim team please click here to access the team’s schedule.