Kean Women’s swimming team makes waves under Swenson
By Steven Merrill | Published by March 24, 2019
The Kean Women’s swimming program is back making waves in just their second season sincere turning as a varsity sport.
In their first season since 2003, the program went win less. This time around, expectations were exceeded.
Led by first-year head coach Chris Swenson, the Cougars produced a five-win season and broke 19 school records overall.
“This season surpassed any and all expectations I had when I took the job,” Swenson said. “I was impressed with the way they bought in and did everything I told them to.”
Freshman Tori Hayes. Photo Courtesy of Larry Levanti.
The program finished the campaign off on a high note, setting 14 school records at the Metropolitan Championships on Feb. 22-24. Despite a 14th place finish, they had 102 more points at this year’s competition than they did at last year’s.
Sophomore captain Molly Lasko is proud of the team-first culture instilled in the program. It’s a testament to the job that Swenson has done to improve his athletes. His positive attitude everyday inspired the team to constantly give it their best
“Coach Swenson’s impact is really what led our team this year and it shows just by looking at the progress from last year,” Lasko said. “He’s always in a good mood. He knows the right things to say to you to make you remember why you’re there.”
A late start to the season didn’t stop the Cougars from competing as they only had two and a half weeks of practice before their season opener.
Freshman Kristina Sullivan snapped seven individual records along with two more on relays. Also, freshman Sarah Sissel and junior Darlene Holmes posted the top times on the team for the 50 and 100-meter freestyle.
“I’m happy that my athletes swam well,” Swenson said. “They can hold their heads up pretty high. They brought a positive energy every day and it showed. We are just scratching the surface.”
Tori Hayes broke six individual records and was involved with three relays that set records. The freshman earned NJAC Rookie of the Week when she broke two records in the 50 and 100-yard breaststroke events on Feb. 2. She agreed with her captain about the impact Swenson has had on the team.
“Coach Swenson is the reason for all of the success our team had,” Hayes said. “He made us all want to come to practice and get better. I am so grateful for him and [assistant coach] Jess [Urciuoli].”
With a young roster of seven freshmen, two sophomores, and one junior, the team knows there is room for improvement.
“I’m looking forward to us growing more as a team and breaking more records,” Lasko said.“We’re going to keep showing Kean the real reason why they brought this program back.”
Sophomore captain Molly Lasko. Photo Courtesy of Larry Levanti.
Next season, Swenson wants to have more athletes on the roster to help achieve bigger goals the program has their eyes on. With a 5-5 record overall, the Cougars failed to defeat an NJAC opponent. Swenson is okay with it though, as it draws motivation for what can be accomplished in the future. He’s excited to get the current flowing again as he’s ambitious to build the program stronger in the years to come.
“This is the most fun I had coaching,”Swenson said. “I’m just really excited for next season. I wish it started tomorrow.”
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