The Springfield women’s swim and dive team is geared up for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with lots of exciting returning athletes and a veteran coaching staff to guide them.
With head diving coach Peter Avdoulos beginning his 42nd year with the school directing the divers and third-year coach Howard Hinds teaching the swimmers, the program is in good hands as the two carry the same even-keeled energy. The Pride also have many returners that qualified for the NCAA Regionals last season that are looking to do the same this year. Senior divers Elizabeth Santos and McKenzie Aparo, who placed 17th and 18th respectively last season at the regional meet, were the top performers from last year’s squad and are expected to lead the charge again this year.
On the swimming side, there is also a lot to be excited about, with four of the returning scorers from last year’s regional meet. That’s also not counting Nina Thompson, who missed the second half of last year with pneumonia, but looked promising early in the year. Erica Kerner and Natalie Norbut are expected to guide the younger swimmers.
Placing in the bottom third of the NEWMAC in the 25-26 season, being better than the year prior is at the top of the list of goals for the upcoming season. What does this team have this season that they did not have twelve months ago to lead that improvement? Chemistry.
“They like each other. It’s a good cohesive group, and they have fun together, and they are on the same page, wanting to be here and wanting to practice hard and wanting to get better,” Avdoulos said.
Avdoulos, who has seen many divers come and go in his 42 years here on Alden Street, has a close connection with this particular group of athletes that sets them apart from the other 41 groups.
“They have always wanted to come in and learn and get better, and that’s the same thing that is happening now. So, it’s really not that much different. Everybody wants to do their best. They want to put the time into becoming the best they can be,” Avdoulos said. “But, to be honest with you, this group of divers is one of my favorites because they’re really good kids and I enjoy them a lot. We have a good dynamic, and they seem to feed off each other, and they respect what we’re doing. That’s a good thing.”
The women are looking to capitalize on the good vibes and team chemistry to carry them further than the year before and are excited to do so.