Minnetonka’s girls’ swim and dive team went to state last week, with thirteen individual athletes qualifying in twenty-two events at the championship, as well as qualifying all three relays (200 IM, 200 freestyle, 400 freestyle). The team has had a very strong season so far, winning the majority of their dual meets and winning the section 2AA championships for the third year in a row. The team placed second overall, scoring a total of 281.5 points.

Before the team competed, Head Coach Dan Berve said, “This season has gone really well. We have grown a lot throughout this season and it’s really great when that happens. It’s all thanks to our great captains, and a mix of our returners with experience and some young kids that came in really excited.”

Faith Robinson, ‘19, placed first in diving at the section meet. Throughout the season, the divers have learned a lot about each other and their sport. Growing closer as teammates has allowed them to have a lot of fun and help each other improve their dives within their small community on the swim team.

When asked how she feels going into the state meet, Robinson said, “Honestly, I’m pretty nervous, because I have set such a high goal for myself and I want so badly to achieve it. But at the same time, I’m super pumped to see all of my friends from other teams as well as bond with my other teammates.”

Sam Frigard, ‘18, said, “I think [the swimmers] have had a great season. At all of our championship meets, and the true team meets, the energy has been very high from both the people in the stands and the people racing. This makes it so much more fun because it fuels us to race faster, and once that happens the momentum continues and we have an amazing meet.”

Berve said the goals for the state meet were “to see improvements from sections. Sections are seen as a step towards the state meet and I think we’re set up to do really well for everybody. We absolutely have a chance at winning. Going into the state meet Edina is definitely the favorite from being ranked number one all season, and we’ve been behind them every step of the way. My communication with the girls is to always do your best and if the opportunity [to win] presents itself, you have to be ready for it.”