On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Kingswood Oxford swimming and diving team embarked on their annual Florida training trip. The team traveled to Orlando, Fla., to improve their skills through practice but also have fun and build strong connections with their teammates.
This annual trip, a tradition since 1990, continues to be a highly beneficial experience for team members who attend. The main part of the trip revolved around the daily practice sessions from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and then again from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. During these practices, the focus was refining stroke skills such as the backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle. The training also allowed the athletes to improve their endurance, turns, and other essential skills to become better competitors.
In between these practices, the team engaged in a variety of activities. From exploring Universal Studios to visiting the Orlando Museum of Arts, the team spent valuable time together. Other fun activities included playing mini golf and eating at different restaurants. “These activities are what bonded the team together, and they were fun overall,” senior Co-captain Ted Simons said. “Going out to dinner with the team and seeing the Museum of Arts was especially fun for me.”
While the trip’s main focus is on improving one’s swimming skills, it also functions as an opportunity for team members to create memories and get to know each other better. The bonding that happens in these activities translates into a supportive and cohesive team dynamic. The importance of good team chemistry is crucial, as swimming and diving is not just an individual sport, but one that requires teamwork and support.
The trip ultimately provided an opportunity for swimmers to get in shape, learn new skills, and practice over break, which they might not normally do. Head Coach Alex Kraus underscored the significance of this uninterrupted focus on swimming and team dynamics during the trip. “It lets people really just focus on swimming and bonding with their teammates,” Coach Kraus said. “There are no family obligations, no schoolwork, so you can focus on the team and the sport.” This trip created an environment where swimmers could thrive as they improved their technique and enjoyed spending time with teammates.
The Florida trip has had a significant impact on the team’s performance in meets. “Swimmers have better skills, and it shows people that they can work harder and perform better than they realize,” Coach Kraus said. “It can help change their mindset in an important way.”
