The 2024-2025 PTHS Girls Swim Team is making a big splash this season. However, two athletes have stood out in their leadership and dedication this season: Lauren Opitz and Katie Pazuchanics. These seniors have swam their way to success-both individually and as a team.
So far this year, the Girls Swim Team holds a record of 10-1 and remains undefeated in their section. All three relays and six individual swimmers have acquired WPIAL cuts as well. One of the team’s biggest accomplishments of this season so far was defeating Upper St. Clair, the closest the competition between these two teams has been since 2020. This achievement would not have been possible without the team’s intense dedication and leadership from its seniors.
“I would attribute having a supportive environment the most with my success in swimming,” said senior girls’ captain and Emory University Swimming commit Lauren Opitz. This season, Opitz achieved a “WPIAL sweep,” meaning she qualified for WPIALs in all eight individual events. This impressive achievement demonstrates both her work ethic and impact on the swim program. Her commitment to the sport is evident, and it has paid off- both for herself and the team.
“I have developed a fun team environment while still being competitive by realizing that swimming is not an individual sport and we’re better together especially when we push each other,” said Opitz. This puts a new perspective on swimming-although most events are competed individually, the overall team ambience is crucial for success.
Along with having a supportive environment Opitz mentioned, another senior captain, Katie Pazuchanics, talks about how important proper coaching has been to the team’s success.
“The team has improved significantly since my freshman year. Most of these improvements came with getting a new head coach last year,” said Pazuchanics. While a change in coaching can interrupt some sports programs, the swim team adapted well and has improved as a result. Being given the correct motivation and a safe environment to get better has been a catalyst for the swimmers themselves to find ways to improve.
Pazuchanics mentioned how, “Swimmers have been really good with individual self discipline and going to practices more consistently.” Swimming is an extremely time consuming sport with practices both before and after school. Therefore, it is crucial for these athletes to find ways to balance their busy schedule while still focusing on getting better. The team’s overall consistency and dedication to the sport has allowed them to grow over the past few years.
To continue with their undefeated section record, the girls team will need to keep working hard and being consistent with their training. The team can largely rely on their senior captains and will continue looking at them for direction and motivation. Opitz and Pazuchanics will continue to leave a lasting legacy on the swim team as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.
