Positive Energy, Rigorous Training Mark Decorah Girls Swim Preseason

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — The Decorah girls swim team is, according to head coach Allie Shultz, "pretty young," but that doesn't mean they aren't working hard and ready to go. Now in their third week of preseason training, Coach Schultz says, "[The girls] are really focused on the physical and mental aspects of swimming and training." Sophomore Adeline Bollinger agrees: "Practice has been going well. There's lots of positive energy. The coaches are pushing us and, as a team, we are responding to their encouragement." Indeed, practice has been rigorous, but not without a tone of fun and light-heartedness, a good combination for a young team that is hoping to keep their spirits high while gaining momentum and confidence throughout the season. The team boasts 35 girls, a mixture of swimmers and divers. And while the team is young, they also have some experience with eight seniors, seven juniors, and 13 sophomores, while welcoming seven freshmen. The team also welcomes back Coach Schultz, who coached the girls from 2017-2022, and now she's back at the helm and excited about the team's potential. "I am looking forward to watching them succeed in and out of the pool this year," Coach Schultz said. "This year we are really looking at competing well in the state and improving the team overall." The girls open their season on August 28 with a triangular at Mason City. Full schedule can be found here. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.