Tatum Dutton Lewis is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Student assigned to cover Tempe Preparatory Academy for AZPreps365.com

Despite being one of the smallest teams in its division, Tempe Preparatory Academy’s 16-person swim team has a vision to “create the culture” and a mission to “create the environment,” according to its website.

Tempe Preparatory swim coach Sydney Johansen said it is sometimes a challenge to create such a culture – especially when they travel to meets with larger teams.

Johansen said that she encourages her swimmers to focus on their own thing. It can be hard to be forward thinking when you are looking at the person in the lane next to you, she said. 

But keeping positive, while challenging swimmers in practice is the way to success for the team, Johansen said.

“It can be hard right now, but think about the good that could come out of it,” she said.

Senior swimmer Caleb Donnellan said the team's ability to unite is what creates the culture of the team. Even with the individual nature of competitive swimming, it is inherently a team sport, he said. The team comes together to cheer for everyone’s events.

Sophomore swimmer Olivia Wagner shared her teammate’s sentiments. She said the girls are going to cheer on the boys, and the boys are going to cheer on the girls.

“We all know each other, and honestly, I feel pretty comfortable with everybody on the team,” Wagner said.

Wagner said the team is fun and motivational, but most importantly, they help each other get out of their own heads – especially during a low point. This is when Wagner said she believes they are truly a team.

At the end of the day, swim is supposed to be fun, Johansen said.

Donnellan added that “swimming is not as bad as people think,” and encourages more people to participate in the future growing this small team.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Donnellan said, adding that he believes that this is the mantra and sentiment that the team should have for the remainder of the season.