2023 2024
TEAM BANQUET PROGRAM
2023-24 STAR TEAM BANQUET
ORDER OF EVENTS
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
PRESENTED BY:
Caitlin Herbert & Stephanie Markowski
DINNER
Buffet Style
STAR 2023-24 SEASON
PRESENTED BY:
Head Coach TJ Day
SWIMMER INTRODUCTIONS & AWARDS
PRESENTED BY:
Senior Team: TJ Day & Reilly King
Dreaming: Ted Eimstad & Steve Tothero
Learning: Mark VanRemmen & Ally Connelly
Northtowns: Nate Steger, Patrick McNelis & Evan Bruning
Exploring: Catie Day
SALUTE TO OUR GRADUATING SENIORS
Emily Chung, Marisa Gachette, Zoey Griffin, Luke Heary, Mira Keller, Avery McClaren, Madison McKinney, Vanessa Mintz, Fiona Reilly, Roman Tedeschi, Grace Vogt
TEAM RECORD BREAKERS
PRESENTED BY: Coach TJ & Coach Ted
SPECIAL “5 CORE VALUES” AWARDS
PRESENTED BY: Coaching Staff
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
PRESENTED BY: Coach TJ Day
REV. BOB MATLACK VOLUNTEER AWARD & SPIRIT OF STAR AWARD
PRESENTED BY:
Karen Coen, Caitlin Herbert & Stephanie Markowski
COACH APPRECIATION
PRESENTED BY:
Zoey Griffin & Mira Keller
FOND FAREWELLS
PRESENTED BY: Coach TJ
Message from Our Presidents
We’d like to welcome all of our families to the 2023-24 STAR Team banquet! It’s important to take time to celebrate accomplishments, recall fun memories, and reflect upon what a wonderful family we have here at STAR. We could think of no better way to accomplish this than to bring our entire team together and celebrate as one.
We would like to congratulate all of our athletes for their accomplishments over this past year. Swimming requires hard work, dedication and commitment! You have all made sacrifices to pursue your passion and to be part of the STAR family. Your effort is commendable and each one of you should be proud of yourselves.
A huge THANK YOU to all of the parents. Your continued support and involvement with this club is immeasurable, and is one of the many things that make our team so special! We would not be able to run successful meets without your volunteer efforts. We are so fortunate to have access to the ECC facility and train under the direction of an excellent coaching staff. Coaches, we thank each and every one of you for your dedication, your sacrifice and your commitment to the sport of swimming and most importantly to our athletes. Finally, we would like to thank our fellow board members for your commitment of time, your hard work and your dedication. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with each of you!
We are honored that you have chosen to be part of our STAR family and would like to thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. To the graduating seniors we wish you much success in your future endeavors and hope that you will always carry with you STAR Swimming’s Core Values: Accountability, Respect, Resilience, Passion and Fun. Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
—Caitlin Herbert & Stephanie Markowski STAR Team Co-Presidents
We inspire and empower athletes to become champions both in and out of the water
2023-24
#ThankYouSwim #Teej
#Cookies #GummyBears
#BeSoForReal #Lane3
#LastOneFastOne #MovingOn
#BoomChickaBoom
#STARswimming #WIT
Age Group
Our STAR Age Group program had a phenomenal season! First, they helped swim STAR to a second place finish at the 2023 LSC Long Course Championships. Then, our age groupers won the Niagara 14 and Under 2023-24 Short Course Championship meet by nearly 500 points. Our swimmers also placed first in both the boys and girls’ point totals for the meet. There were a total of 57 swimmers from all three locations (Downtown, Southtowns and Northtowns) in the championship meet, with every single one of them contributing to the final result!
Eight athletes went on to represent STAR and Niagara LSC at the 2023 Eastern Zones Age Group Championship in Virginia, and nine athletes represented their team and LSC at the 2023-24 Eastern Zone Short Course Championship.
Outside of the meets, our age group athletes displayed tremendous growth in a variety of areas. They worked together to increase their training and expand their knowledge of the sport. They worked on positive self-talk to support themselves, and they’ve always supported their teammates, as they traveled through the ups and downs of the season.
The entire Age Group coaching staff is proud of and thankful for all the work the entire program put in to have such an outstanding season!
USA Swimming Motivational Time Standards
WINTER US OPEN: Mira Keller. WINTER/ SUMMER NATIONALS: Peter Peyser.
FUTURES: Liam Clark, Conner Dean, Zoey Griffin, Roman Tedeschi. [SENIOR] AAAA Peyser, Peter; Keller, Mira; Clark, Liam; Dean, Conner; Griffin, Zoey; Tedeschi, Roman. AAA Garcia, Brady; Jokic, Sydney; Young, Atticus; Reilly, Bridget; Chung, Emily; Vogt, Grace. AA Shepler, Jackson; McKinney, Madison; Spence. Matt; Heary, Luke; Coen, Jack; Coen, Mitchell; Coen, Liam; Loehfelm, Haley; Reilly, Fiona. A McClaren, Avery; Vanessa Mintz; Skoumpris, Joseph. BB Gachette, Marisa; Reimann, Nate; Servat Lagattu, Mathilde; Tothero, Maddie. B Strittmatter, Amelia. 2023 LONG COURSE AGE GROUP EASTERN ZONES: Michael Barone, Lucas Berdysiak, Lila Fatta, Reilly Herbert, Carter Kobielski, Madelyn Loehfelm, Catherine Markowski, Katarina Umansky. 2024 SHORT COURSE AGE GROUP EASTERN ZONES: Michael Barone, Austin Derrick, Lilah Fatta, Landon Frederic, Reilly Herbert, Madelyn Loehfelm, Catherine Markowski, Mateo Medellin, Robert Miller, Katarina Umansky. [13-14] AAAA Kobielski, Carter. AAA Markowski, Catherine; Miller, Robert; Herbert, Reilly; Barone, Michael; Berdysiak, Lucas; Loehfelm, Madelyn; Jokic, Sydney. AA Loeffler, Madeline; Fatta, Lilah; Medellin, Mateo; Fattey, Stephen; Errington, Julia; Moldenhauer, Thomas; Umansky, Katarina. A Carducci, Elizabeth; Codjovi, Jelani; McAndrew, Corinne; Stegner, Allyson; Russom, Josephine. BB Rugnetta, Sophia; DiCamillo, Nina; Young, Thaddeus; Benjamin, Luke; Reimann, Nathan; Lemieux, Keaton. B Chitester, Zoe; Strittmatter, Anastasia; Conklin, Evan; Hoffman, Jeffrey. [11-12] AAA Umansky, Katarina; Loeffler, Madeline. AA Rittling, Kara; Lau, Anthony. A Wischman, Jack; Papke, Kingston; Errington, Amelia; Griffin, Ryan. BB Batson, Janiyah; Torcello, Gianna; Dicamillo, Emila; Strittmatter, Anastasia; Lim, Sofia; Messina, Lucy; Cordle, Jonathan; Shelper, Vincent; Rugnetta, Luca; Bair, Jack; Frischolz, Margaret; Loehfelm, Devon; Day, Rory; Mulawka, Dillion; Conklin, Evan; Haseley, Emma. B Yagger, Lauren; Lim, Emmanuel. [10 & UNDER] AA Derrick, Austin. BB Mulawka, Kennedy; Medellin-Oivera, Julia; Wischman, Sophia; Miller, Alexandria; Szewczyk, Ryan; Sandquist, Luke; Day, Eleanor; Mikac, Sawyer; Juliano, Anthony; Torcello, Gianna; Batson, Janiyah; Markel, Mabel; Mulawka, Dillion. B Hoffman, Concetta; Chudzik, Chase; Lau, Kaylee; Steilen, Harriet. [ADDITIONAL] Derrick, Cameran; Frischholz, Lizzie; Griffin, Jameson; Sandquist, Jack; Smith, Jack.
Thank you for your
support!
Coach TJ Day, the STAR coaching staff and their families
STAR Board of Directors Erie Community College
Vince McCarthy, ECC Aquatic Director ECC security staff
Jason Tedeschi, ajar media Tony Martin Awards Riverworks Volunteer Coordinator Courtney Lanza and all of our meet volunteers!
Banquet Committee: Shana Stegner, Debbie Miller, Laura Errington, Janelle Cordle, Jill Papke, Melissa Hoffman, Jackie Wischman.
Banquet Program Design: Jason Tedeschi, ajarmedia.com
Raffle Basket & Gift-Contributing Families: Berdysiak, Chung, Coen, Errington, Griffin, Jokic, Kobielski, Loeffler, Loehfelm, Markel, Miller, Moldenhauer, Mulawka, Peyser, Rittling, Rugnetta, Russom, Sandquist, Stegner, Sullivan, Tothero, Wischman, Young.
STAR Swimming Volunteer Award Recipients
2007 Bob Matlack
2008 Larry Lichota
2009 John Marchese
2010 Joe Deren
2011 Katherine McCauley
2012 Donna Westermeier
2013 Catherine Kibler
2014 Dorothy Maurer
2015 Bob Bender
2016 Lynda Blake
2017 Micki Staples
2018 Megan Hurley
2019 Randy & Kristen Matteson
2021 Meg & Jeff Hewett
2022 Leo Gibbons
2023 Joanne & Mark Dean
Emily CHUNG
As this is the last essay I’ll write in my high school years, I’ll try to wrap up 11 years of swimming and my four years with STAR the best I can. First, I’d like to thank my age group coaches who made me the swimmer I am today: Coach Brandi, Coach Mike D, Coach Jake H, Coach Tom J, and Coach Tom S. I wouldn’t be where I am now without you!
Being on STAR has really given me a chance to enjoy not only racing but also what it feels like to be on a team that supports each other. STAR in particular has shown me that there’s more to being on a team than just competing. I’ll miss our team cheers at the meets, our occasional STAR on 3! 1, 2, 3; or our STAR on 3! 3, 2, 1; and even our STAR on 4! 4’s at practices.
My swimming journey started with swim lessons at Mill Middle School taught by Coach Ted. I still remember walking into that pool where we’d do running dives into the small diving well on the side. I’m so glad that after all these years, my friends and I ended up on the same team. I’ll miss seeing Mira, Marisa, and Grace steal your heat sheets.
I’d also like to thank Coach Victoria for coaching me and helping me with my stroke techniques for the past six years. I vividly remember the many set redos we had to do until we swam the set the right way. Thank you so much for all you have done for me these past years; helping me with my breaststroke, and making me work on different strokes outside of my comfort zone.
LANE LINES
COLLEGE
Swimming for Binghamton Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
100 Butterfly
FAVORITE MEMORY
Traveling with the team to Indy
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“You’re Gonna Go Far,” by Noah Kahan
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Don’t always take swimming so seriously! Sometimes you need to have fun to be able to improve.
way. He taught me that It’s not always about the times you get, but about how the swim felt, and what you can do to improve. After many talks with TJ after my swims, I’ve realized how much he really cares for his swimmers and the team. He taught us that everyone is able to contribute in some way. I’m so grateful. Thank you for helping me throughout my time at STAR!
Swimming has allowed me to enjoy so many valuable experiences.”
—EMILY
Next, I’d like to thank Mark. Even though his fly sets were painful to swim, it was worth it. After the set every Tuesday he’d always ask, “Was it challenging? But was it fair?” I would always answer yes to both questions. His sets were challenging but in a way that prepares you to swim your best at meets.
Finally, Coach TJ. He played a big part in making the team feel united. He gets us riled up for meets and most importantly encourages us to have fun. TJ is the one who guided me to see my swims in a different
While I was scrolling through my camera roll for photos, I realized how much has changed over the years. The photos I’ve collected throughout my swimming career contain all the friendships I’ve made over my 11 years of swimming.
First, I’d like to thank Maddie and Vanessa. From the first day we met, you guys have been such supportive friends. You really made Victoria’s sets manageable. Whenever it’s just Grace and me swimming in a lane with no music, we always mention that we need Maddie and Vanessa. You guys really brighten up the mood and make practices so fun. I’m glad we’re graduating together and I’ll miss you guys so much.
Avery, I’ll miss our annual Clarence v. Will North end-of-the-meet pictures with Emily, and I’m so glad we got closer throughout the years. I remember seeing you at STAR practice one day, and recognizing you
from high school. Thank you for becoming friends with me. I’ll miss our Indy room with Maddie and Vanessa. Zoey, Marisa, and Mira, I don’t know how to express how much you guys have helped me grow out of my shell, especially when coming to a new environment. I wasn’t sure who to hang out with, and trying to find a group to fit into was tough. You guys were really welcoming and I’m so thankful for that. You guys are like family. I’ll forever remember pushing Zoey to the absolute limit when I added the salt too early while baking a cake. I’ll miss you guys a lot in college. I hope we can see each other at practices next summer.
Grace, we’ll see each other in a month—as Bearcats! Even though this won’t be our last time swimming together, I’d like to thank you for all the support you’ve given me. You’ve helped me so much this year. Knowing I can rely on and talk to you about anything that’s on my mind means so much to me. I can’t wait to experience all the memories we’ll make in the next four years!
Lastly, I’d like to thank my parents. Thank you for driving me to practice and putting up with my attitude. I know everything you do is out of love, and I know you guys will always be watching over me. Signing me up for swim lessons has given me more than I could ever ask for. Thank you so much for helping me fall in love with this sport.
Swimming has allowed me to enjoy so many valuable experiences, and it will continue to challenge me the next few years. It’s given me something to look forward to, and time to decompress after a stressful school day. Thank you STAR for a memorable four years!
MarisaGACHETTE
Istarted my journey in swimming at the age of 6. I had the opportunity to work with coach Ted Eimstad, Liz Zucco, Brian Fadel and Rick Aronberg. As a young swimmer, my coaches encouraged me, helped with my technique and made sure I was having fun. I will always remember the water polo games, Halloween parties, costume contests, and group dinners after swim meets.
Covid presented me with one of the biggest challenges of my swimming career, causing me to leave the swim family that I had grown to love. During this time, I felt unsure about where I wanted to swim, but I knew that I wanted to swim.
In 2020, I joined STAR swim club, where TJ, Mark, Nate and Ted helped me develop my strokes and pushed me to new limits. My coaches taught me about the sport as well as life lessons about resilience, accountability, and being a leader while having fun.
I will always treasure my time with STAR Swimming. I accomplished several personal best times, made lasting friendships, and laughed with my coaches and teammates. I will always remember the bus rides, travel meets, and swim banquets.
I would like to thank my parents and sister for their countless volunteer hours (I could have helped more in this department), guidance, support, and encouragement.
LANE LINES
COLLEGE
Swimming for Lock Haven Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
100 IM
FAVORITE MEMORY
Hotel convos at travel meets
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“All of the Lights,” Kanye West
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Don’t let a bad swim ruin your mood. Focus on the race ahead!
Finally, Ted, you were there through it all, constantly supporting me, and always being someone I felt comfortable talking to about anything. Thank you for getting me into club swimming. I’m so happy you will get to see me graduate from it!
We have so many memories and I’m so glad swimming brought us together.”
I would like to thank Coach Mark for constantly reminding me to breathe every three strokes because now it’s second nature. Thank you for all your hard practices. They pushed me past my limits, helping me reach a side of my swimming I didn’t know I had. TJ, thank you for always encouraging me to leave it all in the pool. You helped me become more confident in my swimming and racing. I would also like to thank you both for putting up with me even when I didn’t get in the pool on time.
—RIS
I would also like to thank my friends, Mira, Grace and Zoey for cheering me on from the sidelines and always being there for me. We have so many memories and I’m so glad swimming brought us together. I don’t know what I would’ve done during these four years without you guys.
A special thank you to Mrs. Keller for being my surrogate parent. Whenever I didn’t have a ride, or needed something, you were always there for me.
Lastly, Mira again for being my best friend throughout my entire journey on both of our teams. The impact you’ve had on my life is unforgettable and I’m forever grateful.
This fall, I will attend Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, where I’ll study biochemistry and represent my school on the swim team. With a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, I plan to eventually apply to dental school and pursue a career as a dentist.
Zoey GRIFFIN
Being part of a swim team is an experience that goes beyond just the sport itself. It’s about the community, the support, and the personal growth that comes from surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share a common passion. One of the most rewarding aspects of being on a swim team is the sense of camaraderie and friendship that it fosters. The long hours spent training together, the shared experiences of meets, the encouragement given during successes and failures, the common language of the swimming community and the pure silliness on the pool deck. All of these create a culture of support and forge strong bonds. I am extremely grateful that my friendships with Mira, Marisa, Grace and others have extended beyond the pool deck, and will last long beyond our time together at STAR.
A good coach does more than teach technique and prepare practices; they inspire, motivate, provide an unwavering belief in your abilities, and scream hysterically until they lose their voice. I remember when I first met Coach TJ; my family and I were eating in a cramped pizzeria after arriving in Atlanta for a swim meet. At the time I was swimming for Clarence, so I didn’t know TJ and it felt a bit awkward that we chose the same restaurant. Of course, my parents wouldn’t let me escape without introducing myself. Like many of my conversations with TJ, I don’t remember the exact words that were said, but I remember how he made me feel: welcomed, important, worthy and that he was genuinely interested in my happiness and success. I have not questioned these feelings throughout my time with TJ, and I am grateful for all my coaches’ dedication and the positive impact they have had on my life in and out of the water.
LANE LINES
COLLEGE
Swimming for Univ. of Connecticut
FAVORITE EVENT
200 Backstroke
FAVORITE MEMORY
All the swim camps I’ve done over the years
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“On The Road,” Post Malone
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
The only thing in life you can control is yourself. How you respond to a race, what you put into training, how you treat others... it’s on you.
When the pandemic hit and Clarence was left without a pool, I was devastated. Moving on from the bond and trust that I had developed with Coach Tom at Clarence was by far the most challenging event in my swimming career. Knowing that TJ had my back, however, made my transition, as well as the last three years, easier. While my time at STAR has been filled with its fair share of challenges, pitfalls and – let’s be real - drama, learning to manage these stressors has helped me grow as both a swimmer and a person.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being on a swim team is the sense of camaraderie and friendship that it fosters.”
—ZOEY
Pursuing a sport at a competitive level is never a solo endeavor. Behind every athlete’s success lies a network of family who provide emotional, financial and unwavering support. My family has selflessly sacrificed their time and energy to help me pursue my dreams. Countless miles back and forth on the 33, staying in shady hotels, laughter, tears, Panera, sleeping in parking lots, pasta, tech suit crises, countless sweatshirts, highs, lows, more Panera, more tears, more laughter…
my Mom and I have been through it all, and have forged a bond that will easily bridge the 413 miles between here and Storrs, Connecticut.
My experiences at STAR were fundamental in helping me define and identify the attributes and culture that I need in a college program in order to thrive as an athlete and student. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to continue the sport that I love at the collegiate level, and I am excited to embark on new adventures and challenges during my swimming career at UConn. While I can never replace the people who have supported me these past several years, I have grown from our shared experiences and will take them with me wherever I go.
LukeHEARY
Swimming has been more than just a sport in my life; it has been a profound influence that shaped my character, taught me valuable life lessons, and provided me with a sense of purpose and determination. From the Neumann Catholic Swim League at St. Mary’s, to my time on STAR, I discovered a passion that would become an integral part of my identity.
Swimming provided me with a sense of community and camaraderie. The bonds formed with teammates and coaches transcended the boundaries of competition, creating lasting connections and friendships. Through my varsity team I created everlasting friendships with friends and coaches. Those friendships with Aaron, Ian and Dom ultimately led me to joining STAR, where I opened up to new ideas and opportunities. Furthermore, these relationships with coaches and teammates have taught me the value of teamwork, empathy, and leadership.
Through swimming, I learned the importance of mental fortitude and maintaining focus—a skill that’s been invaluable in navigating life’s obstacles. These qualities have extended beyond the pool, impacting my academic and personal endeavors by instilling in me the belief that hard work and dedication yield results.
Leadership is an important characteristic I’ve learned from being a part of these teams. Through my sophomore and junior years on varsity, I watched as my team captains demonstrated how to guide a team, through practices, meets, hardships and celebrations. Being voted team captain senior year was an honor, in which I got the opportunities to lead, just as the swimmers before me had. Leadership is something which I truly enjoyed and something I look forward to in my career.
LANE LINES
COLLEGE
Attending the Univ. of Florida
FAVORITE EVENT
50 Freestyle
FAVORITE MEMORY
States trips with the varsity team
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“One of Wun,” Gunna
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Always give your all!
to challenge myself and strive for improvement. The thrill of setting a new personal best drove me to push my limits further with each practice session. Even in moments of disappointment, such as missing a qualifying time or falling short of a goal, swimming taught me resilience and the importance of learning from setbacks. The races when I qualified for the New York State Championships are moments I’ll never forget. I was disappointed each time I fell short, but the excitement and support of my teammates, coaches and friends is what I remember. These experiences have shaped my belief that setbacks are temporary and that perseverance is the key to longterm success.
Swimming will always be special to me as it’s more than just a sport—it made me who I am today.”
—LUKE
Swimming has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible, such as traveling to meets like the Boys High School New York State Championship and the Carmel Indianapolis Invite. These were opportunities and trips I never would have imagined going on if it were not for swimming. These trips were more than just swimming, and my friendships continued to grow stronger.
Swimming taught me the significance of goal-setting and perseverance. Each race became an opportunity
Swimming has been a transformative journey that influenced every aspect of my life. It has shaped my character, given me friendships, and provided me with invaluable life lessons. Through swimming, I learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, resilience, and leadership. These lessons have equipped
necessary to navigate the next chapter of my life through college and pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. Swimming will always be special to me as it’s more than just a sport—it made me who I am today.
MiraKELLER
STAR Swimming quickly became a huge part of my life. It was a big change but it turned out to be for the better. Although my time on STAR wasn’t that long it definitely played a big part in who I am today. I grew up swimming and my life wouldn’t be the same without it and for that I am grateful. Not only did swimming bring me a solid future, it also brought me some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. The countless hours spent at the pool each week, the shared experiences, and all the fun we had will never be forgotten. I am so grateful swimming brought me my friendships with Marisa, Zoey, Grace and others that will last longer than my time with Star. I couldn’t have done it without the support from my team, coaches, and especially my family.
To my coaches, thank you for pushing me to my limits and helping me discover strengths I never knew I had. Your dedication to our team and commitment to our growth have shaped me into the athlete I am today. A good coach sees potential in everyone and I truly believe all our coaches demonstrate this quality. TJ always welcomes people with open arms and makes them feel as comfortable as possible. Thank you TJ for welcoming me and making me feel like I belonged. When I first joined STAR it was difficult to meet new people due to the fact that there was still social distancing. TJ didn’t let that stop him from forcing me to talk to my new teammates and eventually create friendships that I would be incomplete without. TJ sees what we don’t and helps us recognize our abilities and pushes us to our fullest potential.
LANE LINES
COLLEGE
Swimming for Univ. of Minnesota
FAVORITE EVENT
200 Backstroke
FAVORITE MEMORY
Our first year going to Florida for NCSAs
FAVORITE
PRE-RACE SONG
“Yeah!” Usher
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Don’t let a bad swim ruin your meet.
supported me through it all. Even though he is technically no longer my coach I will always be thankful for his encouragement and impact on my life. Although it hasn’t been the smoothest road I am so thankful to be where I am today in my swimming career.
We all have days where we aren’t swimming our best and we think it won’t get better. It will!”
A lot of times people think just because you love something means that it’s easy. It’s not. We all have days where we don’t want to go to practice, or are stuck in a spot where we aren’t swimming our best and we think it won’t get better. It will! There will be times when you feel like giving up, but a few bad swims or bad moments don’t define you as a person so don’t dwell on them. Focus on the future and you will be a lot happier!
—MIRA
Thank you Coach Ted for introducing me to my love of swimming and being by my side throughout my journey. Ted has been one of my biggest supporters alongside my Mom. He pushed me to be my best and
Avery MCCLAREN
Growing up, I was always around a pool. From watching my dad train athletes in my backyard to going to my sister’s synchronized swimming meets, I had no intention of doing anything besides swimming. Swimming has always been more than just a sport to me; it is a passion that has shaped my life in countless ways. I began swimming a little later than my peers because my first love of swimming was synchronized swimming at the age of 5. After many years of synchronized swimming, I needed a change and I decided to try swimming on the Clarence modified swim team. The thrill of slicing through the water, the rhythm of each stroke, and the sense of accomplishment after a challenging practice are just a few of the reasons why I love swimming. After a couple of years of high school and club swimming, I decided I needed to become more dedicated and swim with athletes who had a similar mindset. Joining STAR was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made and this experience has only deepened my appreciation for the sport.
Joining a new swim team can be both exciting and daunting. The prospect of meeting new teammates, adapting to a different coaching style, and familiarizing oneself with new training routines can be overwhelming. However, these challenges are also opportunities for growth and development. When I first joined my new team, I was nervous about fitting in and proving my abilities. But I quickly realized that the supportive environment and camaraderie among swimmers made the transition much smoother.
LANE LINES
COLLEGE
Swimming for St. Cloud St. Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
100 Breaststroke
FAVORITE MEMORY
Swimming and rooming with my friends at Indy
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“Yea Glo!” by GloRilla
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Make friends— they make everything easier!
The friendships and memories we’ve created will be long-lasting.”
—AVERY
One of the most significant aspects of joining a new swim team is the sense of community it fosters. Swimming, while often seen as an individual sport, is deeply rooted in teamwork. The encouragement from teammates, the shared goals, and the collective
spirit of striving for excellence create a bond that is both unique and powerful. On my new team, I found a group of individuals who were not only dedicated to improving their own skills but also committed to helping each other succeed. This sense of belonging has been incredibly motivating and has pushed me to work harder and aim higher. Evie, Nessa, Nat, Mia, Emma, and Abby had a huge impact on my experience and my growth for my love of STAR. The friendships and memories we’ve created will be long-lasting. Nessa, thank you for sticking by my side no matter what. I have loved swimming with you and becoming such close friends in and out of the pool. I wish my amazing lane buddies Maddie, Grace, and Emily the best of luck with their future. Lastly, Luke, thank you for always making me smile, driving with me to practice, and for being my best friend. Another crucial element of my love for swimming is the discipline and structure it brings to my life. Swimming requires a high level of commitment, time management, and perseverance. Early morning practices, rigorous training schedules, and the constant pursuit of personal bests have taught me valuable life skills that extend beyond the pool. Joining a new team has reinforced these lessons and introduced me to
new techniques and strategies that have enhanced my performance. Thank you TJ and Mark for teaching me true commitment and welcoming me to this team.
Moreover, swimming is a sport that continu ally challenges me both physically and men tally. Each practice is an opportunity to push my limits, refine my technique, and build endurance. The mental fortitude required to keep going, even when faced with fatigue or setbacks, have strengthened my resilience and determination. The new team environment has provided fresh perspectives and innovative training methods that have reignited my passion for the sport. As I move on, I will take all my lessons from STAR with me.
Lastly, I would like to thank my mom and dad for being my biggest supporters. Thank you dad for introducing me to this sport, being such an amazing coach and father, and showing me the true meaning of dedication. Thank you mom for being the best mom and helping me to follow my dreams no matter what. Your positive influence will guide me in my next chapter.
MadisonMCKINNEY
Joining STAR was one of the best decisions of my life. I have been swimming competitively since I was 6 years old. I swam for three different club teams but STAR, by far, has benefitted me the most.
I joined STAR in 2020 during Covid. When my old club team lost their pool I had no idea what I was going to do. Shortly after, my parents started talking about joining STAR. I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t like the idea at first because I didn’t want to leave my friends or coaches. After a week of lots of tears and debating, Coach Victoria finally convinced me to make the switch because of how much she thought it would benefit me in the future and how much happier I would be at STAR.
I would like to thank Coach TJ for giving me so many great opportunities. When I met TJ I knew he was going to be a great coach for me. One of the first things he told me during our meeting is that he always puts his athletes first. After swimming for him for almost four years, I truly believe he means it. TJ will make sure you’re really pushing yourself to your limits, and will make sure you’re having fun. I am so thankful TJ helped me find a college where I’d fit in.
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Swimming for Saint Peter’s Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
500 Freestyle
FAVORITE MEMORY
Relays at champs
FAVORITE
PRE-RACE SONG
“Party Up,” by DMX
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS Have fun!
listening. I have been friends with her since I don’t know when and I can’t imagine swimming without her either, but I know for a fact Grace and Emily are going to absolutely crush it at Binghamton together. I haven’t been great friends with Avery for very long but she’s one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
I’m gonna miss my Gracie Cakes so much.”
I would also like to thank Grace, Emily, and Avery. I’m not sure when me and Grace actually became friends but I am so happy that we did. Grace is someone who I can joke around with at practice and we always make each other laugh. She never fails to make the practice more enjoyable and she is one of the hardest workers I know. She’s always someone I can go to if I have a problem with anything and she always has an answer for me. I can’t imagine not swimming with her in college and quite frankly I don’t even want to think about it. I’m gonna miss my Gracie Cakes so much. Emily never fails to make me smile. She’s basically happy 100 percent of the time. I’m going to miss having to back up conversations because Emily either got distracted or stopped
—MADDIE
I’ve been swimming with Nessa Mintz since the 4th grade. We both joined Clarence around the same time and we clicked instantly. She quickly became one of my best friends. She’s always been there for me and wants me to be happy. Like all best friends, we’ve had our ups and downs, but I am so happy we overcame the biggest down EVER this past year. Ness is never afraid to call anyone out for their mistakes and she makes that very known. Ness and I have always been on the same team since I’ve known her. We met when we both moved to Clarence. She swam five years of varsity with me, and shortly after I moved to STAR, she did too. I never thought Ness and I would be more than 10 minutes away from each other, but in August I’ll be six hours away from her. I know Ness will do great things at Canisius and I can’t wait to race her at MAACs. I’m gonna miss you so much, Ness!
Finally, I would like to thank my parents for always believing me and never doubting me. My parents have been my No. 1 supporters since I started swimming. They not only support me in swimming, but in everything else as well. I don’t have enough words to express how thankful I am for them. Thank you, Mom and Dad!
Thank you, STAR Swimming, for four years of amazing memories. Peace out, Girl Scouts!
VanessaMINTZ
My journey at STAR began my freshman year. During Covid most of my teammates switched to STAR while I stayed back and joined a different club. Not long after, my family decided to switch my brother and me to STAR to be able to swim and compete with our friends again. When I first met TJ I knew STAR would be a different experience than all the other teams I had been a part of. TJ had this energy and excitement every single day when I walked into practice. TJ works just as hard as us, and is our biggest supporter on the deck. In those first few months on the team, I felt a sense of not wanting to let him down. I want to thank Coach TJ for always working with me and guiding me through these past few years. I’m grateful for the lessons he taught me that helped me as a swimmer and an individual. Next, I’d like to thank Coach Mark for never failing to make me smile. Even through his brutal butterfly or “recov” sets, Mark never failed to make me laugh or smile. I will truly miss hearing about his days at the beginning of practice.
Looking back, I want to thank my brother for always being there for me. I never questioned his unwavering support and confidence he had in me even when I doubted myself. I am so fortunate and grateful to have him by my side.
I want to thank Maddie McKinney, my lane buddy since we were 12. I can’t believe our time swimming on the same team together is shortly coming to an end. From swimming together at Clarence, to Lancaster varsity, to STAR, she’s pushed me to be better every day at practice. I don’t know what I’ll do without my best friend right by my side. I’m truly going to miss being her go-to counter at meets, our carpool to practice, singing every song together, and goofing around to get through some
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Swimming for Canisius Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
100 Butterfly
FAVORITE MEMORY
My first short course champs meet with STAR
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“Starships,” Nicki Minaj
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Try to not forget what got you into swimming and made you love it.
of those challenging sets. Thank you for everything, see ya at MAACs!
I’m so grateful that joining STAR brought me to my closest friends. To Emma, Mia, Nat, Evie, Abby, and Avery, thank you for continuing to be my sisters in life. Even though we’ve gone our separate ways for college, when we get back together we always pick up right where we left off. I couldn’t imagine life without you guys.
I’m so grateful that joining STAR brought me to my closest friends.”
—NESSA
I wanna wish Grace and Emily good luck next year. I’ll miss them both so much and I know they are both going to do amazing things at Binghamton. I will definitely miss our car debrief before practice everyday.
Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents. They are truly my rock and I would not be where I am today without the opportunities they’ve provided me. They are my biggest cheerleaders and I never had to worry about them showing up to support me, which I am forever grateful for.
Thank you, STAR Swimming!
FionaREILLY
I’ve been a part of STAR for nine years now and I’m eternally grateful for every moment. From Red Team to Senior, STAR has been a huge part of my life. Practice has always been my favorite time of day, when I can see my friends and leave the day behind. Throughout my swimming career there have been some difficult times, but my love for this sport and this team have never been dulled.
I am who I am because of swimming and I’d like to take a moment to thank the people who got me here.
To Coach Carl, Coach Denise, and Coach Matt at Crimson Aquatics, thank you for teaching me that details always matter and that you don’t have to breathe every stroke in butterfly. I will always be grateful. To Crimson, the team that started it all, thank you for the dryland runs up the hill and onestroke 8 & Under meets. When I moved to Star I was nine years old and eager to impress on Red Team. The lessons I learned there, and the endless underwaters, made me the swimmer I am today. Thank you.
To Coach Nate, Blue Team ooo-rah-rah, thank you for showing us the roses and thorns of swimming and life.
To Coach Mark, through every Kick Wednesday, Race Day Saturday, and Survivor set, your tough love kept us going. Thank you for being my coach and supporter all these years.
To Coach TJ, thank you for your passion in all that you do. You never fail to be the energy on deck!
To my parents, thank you for pulling five-year-old me out of lessons and onto the swim team, for the years of driving me to practice after, and for always supporting me.
To my sister, there isn’t anyone I would have rather swam with all these years. Thank you. Love, Fiona
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Swimming for Clarkson Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
200 Breaststroke
FAVORITE MEMORY
Our trips to Indy
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“For The Wicked,” by Friday Pilots Club
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Don’t give up, even when it’s hard.
Practice has always been my favorite time of day, when I can see my friends and leave the day behind.”
—FIONA
Roman TEDESCHI
Swimming with STAR will always remain one of the best decisions of my life. I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you to our STAR coaches, volunteers and teammates. I would not be where I am today without this team, and I want to take some time to reflect on that. Throughout my three years on the team, I have learned, accomplished, and am proud of so much of the work I put into the pool, and it is thanks to the people on our pool deck that we have these opportunities. I also want to extend a special thank you to my dad for being a huge support and great team photographer. So many of our favorite memories (and Instagram posts) have been captured in my dad’s work and there’s no mystery as to why the first question I was asked after every meet was, “When’s your dad gonna put up the album?” I also want to thank my sister and mom for coming to see me race. Swim meets are long and hot to watch, and yet I would always see my mom and Ava in the stands. This is no small matter, so tonight I ask that—when you have the chance—go to the person or people who are there in the stands to support you, and thank them. These are the people who support us no matter what and they play very important roles in our careers.
The first day at practice at STAR was, at first, intimidating for me. The only guys I knew were my high school teammates: Chet, Jason Creed, and Andrew Clough, and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to keep up. But as time passed, I met more people like Birdman and Zach Eisenmann, and I found myself having a lot of fun at swim practice. The hype built around main sets at STAR was without a doubt the most fun part of being at practice. In addition, the meets at STAR are themselves reason enough to join the team. With the team being so big, there was always an electric atmosphere on deck. Almost every heat there was someone to cheer for, and
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Swimming for Bryant Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
200 Backstroke
FAVORITE MEMORY
Walking out for final heats
FAVORITE PRE-RACE SONG
“Back to Back,” by Drake
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
Focus on your own personal growth, and not on others’.
A bad meet or a rough practice is not a finish line, it’s a stepping stone to an even greater accomplishment.”
—ROMAN
every swim you had a big crowd hyping you up. Even if you didn’t accomplish something you wanted for yourself, there was almost always there someone else to celebrate for. The most fun I had was at travel meets. Traveling with teammates in the back of the bus, bumping music for hours on end, playing card games, watching movies, then arriving in a different city and swimming fast in a new pool was some of the most fun of my life. I appreciated the practices—which were intense but always enjoyable— another key experience of my time at STAR. Specifically, I appreciated how our coaches balanced hard work with fun. Whether it was playing music during practices, or organizing team-building activities, they ensured that we stayed motivated and connected as a team. One of the highlights of my time at STAR was the friendships I made. I wouldn’t have made it through the years of training without my friends. I believe it’s as important for a team to be as cohesive outside the pool as it as in the pool, and that couldn’t be more true for STAR. If you were on the team, summers were never dull. There was always a move after practice, whether it was basketball, or sushi, or even having a barbecue in Peter’s backyard at night. The guys I’ve had the blessing of calling my teammates have bright futures and I’m excited to see where they go.
Although my time on the team is coming to an end, the lessons I’ve learned will stick with me throughout my life. TJ’s saying, “Trust the Process,” always resonated with me because not every meet will go your way, not every swim will be a PR, and not every practice is going to feel amazing. That’s just how it is. But what I’ve learned most at STAR is that a bad meet or a rough practice is not a finish line, it’s a stepping stone to an even greater accomplishment. So as I prepare for my next four years of swimming at Bryant University, I’m going to take that lesson with me. And… with the power invested in me, I crown Peter Peyser Shower No. 1.
—Roman
Grace VOGT
STAR Swimming has been a huge part of my life since I was nine years old. It helped shape me into the swimmer and person that I am today.
I have lots of people to thank for the opportunities I’ve been given, and for helping me grow.
First, I’d like to thank my coaches. I want to say thank you to Coach Nate for helping me fall in love with the sport altogether. I remember my first day coming to practice and being so nervous. I told my mom I didn’t want to go that day, and not long after that she couldn’t keep me away. Nate made practices challenging, but fun. I’ll never forget race days on Saturdays, or when we’d play Poison beforehand. I can say my favorite game was Abandon Ship, only because I was pretty good at it. I am so grateful to have had Nate as one of my coaches.
Next I want to thank Coach Ted. I first met Ted in 2019 during my first year of varsity swimming. He helped me and my team make many memories, like glow stick practices, and unfortunately FLIM. Ted’s encouragement and positive attitude truly made a big difference in my swim career. Thank you Ted for always pushing me to be the best, and sorry for always untying your shoes.
Lastly for coaches, I want to thank Coach Mark and Coach TJ. Mark has always believed in me. Though his practices were difficult and very long, I’m going to miss having him as a coach. Mark always helped me with the little things, like my underwaters or my breathing pattern. The details. He has always held everyone accountable for their actions, in and out of the pool. Thank you Mark for making me a better swimmer. (Yes, Aidan is doing good). TJ has been coaching me for a few years now and I have never had a coach with as much energy and enthusiasm as him. At almost
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Swimming for Binghamton Univ.
FAVORITE EVENT
50 Freestyle
FAVORITE MEMORY
The Berkeley trip
FAVORITE
PRE-RACE SONG
“Pistol Paccin,” by NLE Choppa, BigXthaPlug
ADVICE FOR YOUNG SWIMMERS
The time really does fly by quickly, so don’t forget to enjoy every moment.
every meet, TJ manages to lose his voice cheering for his swimmers. He always tries his best to make sure everyone has fun while they’re on deck. When TJ brings his loud energy, it gets the athletes cheering for their teammates. He is able to challenge us in practice, and he is also able to show us how much he cares about our team. To me, that makes a really good coach.
One of my coaches told me to believe in myself; to look around, because everyone else believed in me. I will never forget that.”
—GRACE
Moving on, I would like to thank my friends. This sport has brought me my closest friends and I cannot put into words how much they mean to me. Mira, Marisa, and Zoey; You guys have been so supportive and kind to me. I thank you for staying with me through my highs and my lows. You guys are like the sisters I never had and I wouldn’t trade our friendship for the world. COVID was a tragedy, but it brought me my best friends. You’re all going to do amazing things. Keep your heads up and I can’t wait to watch you reach the stars. I love you guys! I also want to thank Emily. This isn’t goodbye for you and I. We get to literally live together next year in college, but even though it isn’t goodbye, it’s the end of a really big chapter. I know
you and I are going to make so many more memories together and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’re going to achieve. This year has brought me closer to Maddie, Vanessa, and Avery. I am so grateful we grew closer this year because your friendships mean so much to me. I’m going to miss sitting in my car with you guys before practice, and honestly just talking to each of you every day. I’m going to miss all of you, but we’ll see each other again. Most importantly I need to thank my parents. My mom and my dad have been my biggest supporters through everything. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without your love and support. Thank you for showing up, and thank you for driving me to practice when I was too young to drive myself. I owe you guys everything for introducing me to the sport that I love.
Not only has this sport challenged me physically, but it has also been tough on me mentally. Two years ago one of my coaches told me that I needed to believe in myself; to look around because everyone else believed in me. I will never forget that. It’s always been a challenge for me to believe in myself, but the built-in support system that swimming has instilled in me made it so much easier. So as I wrap up, I want to thank everyone who’s been there for me. Whether it was simply wishing me good luck before my race, or being one of my closest friends, it was impactful. Thank you STAR for being my second family these past eight years.
TRUST THE PROCESS
2023-24
