The New Canaan YMCA proudly announced that eight of its aquatics athletes from the 2022 graduating class will be continuing their sport and representing our community at the collegiate level this fall, in addition to two athletes who were prestigiously named to the U.S. National 13-15 artistic swimming team.
Athletes Include:
Caimans Swim Team:
Jack Greiner – College of the Holy Cross
Whirlwind Diving Team:
Lauren Delucia – College of the Holy Cross
Jack Holland – Harvard University
Jack Krug – Bucknell University
Lucas Madriaga – University of Delaware
Matthew Magnotta – Williams College
Ella Olafsson – Colgate University
Olivia Quinn – Davidson College
Aquianas Artistic Swimming Team:
Viola Li – 2022 U.S. National 13-15 Team
Sophia Shen – U.S. National 13-15 Team
“The New Canaan YMCA is extremely proud of the accomplishments of these dedicated, talented athletes. The encouragement and expertise of their coaches prepared them for success at a higher level of competition. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to hearing about their achievements in college,” commented Margaret Riley, the Y’s Executive Director.
Whirlwind Diving Senior, Lauren Delucia, shared, “I started Whirlwind when I was only 6 years old and truthfully can’t imagine my life without it. I’m so lucky to say that since I joined, I have had an unwavering support system. The coaches always pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and be confident in my ability. Diving is a sport that requires bravery, confidence, and practice. Whirlwind diving instilled these qualities in me from a young age, and I will carry them with me through college and into my adult life. I realized I could use that same bravery and self-reliance that I learned at Whirlwind for a college interview. Not only did I gain irreplaceable personality traits, but I gained lifelong friends and tight bonds with coach figures. Whirlwind has undoubtedly shaped not only my diving, but also my personality in a way that I will always be so grateful for.”
“I am excited for our Class of 2022 seniors. They have worked hard over the years and are all going to great schools where they will enjoy their student-athlete experience,” shared Joe Somma, Director of Whirlwind Diving. “I am so thrilled to see one of our largest graduating classes heading off to the schools of their dreams. We are proud of each of them and wish them the best in their future beyond their high school and college careers. It has been an honor to coach these athletes and have them be part of our program at the Y,” added Adam Vance, Associate Director of Whirlwind Diving.
“Jack Greiner had an incredible senior year where he dedicated himself to the sport of swimming and worked harder than he ever had previously. He has become a very talented competitive swimmer who will have his best years ahead of him while swimming in college for the college of Holy Cross. It is exciting to see how he will progress in the sport of swimming as well as watch him become a contributing member of society,” commented Brian Fazzino, Director of Competitive Swimming and Head Coach of the Caimans Seniors.
Jen Muzyk, Director of Artistic Swimming and Aquianas Head Coach, commented, “Earning these placements on the National Team speaks to the athleticism, passion, and dedication of these swimmers. I am so proud of how far both Sophia and Viola have come, as they continue the tradition of representing both the Aquianas and the United States on the National Team year after year. I can’t wait to see them both compete this summer!”
To learn more about the Y’s competitive aquatics teams, contact Brian Fazzino, Director of Caimans Competitive Swimming: [email protected], Joe Somma, Director of Whirlwind Diving: [email protected], and Jen Muzyk, Director of Artistic Swimming: [email protected].