by Julia Byers, Freshman

The 2025 swim season for Palisades High School and its three swimmers was nothing short of spectacular. Although the team was small, it was surely mighty. From shattering personal records to unforgettable team moments, this season showcased the dedication, hard work, and talent all the swimmers put in to succeed this season. From early morning practices to thrilling meets, the three swimmers pushed themselves to new heights. As we dive into the highlights and achievements of this season, we celebrate the swimmers who have conquered many challenges, in and out of the pool. 

One of the standout highlights was the performance by senior, Victoria Oldford. Tori dominated in the 200 yard IM (individual medley) and the 100 yard breaststroke at PIAA District XI AA. She swam a 2:27.71 in the 200 yard individual medley, scoring her 4th place and a spot on the podium at districts. In the 100 yard breaststroke, she swam a 1:10.99, dropping her personal record time by more than a second and a half. Unfortunately, she just missed the podium by 0.60, placing 5th, showing how much 0.01 can mean in the art of swimming. Tori did a phenomenal job this season, and had the whole team looking up to her, setting the bar high for the rest of her teammates. 

Another memorable swimmer on the Palisades Swim Team is sophomore, Salah Uttard. Although this was only Salah’s second year ever swimming, she was a key asset on the swim team. Salah’s main events consisted of the 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard breaststroke, and occasionally the 100 yard backstroke. Salah started the season off with a 41.79 second 50 yard freestyle and dropped more than 2 and a half seconds, making her best time of the season a 39.10. Another event Salah excelled in was the 100 yard breaststroke. Her time at the beginning of the season was a 1:57.92, and by the last meet her time was a 1:50.29, which ended up being a 7-second drop in her personal record, very rare in swimming. 

The last member on the Palisades Swim Team is freshman, Julia Byers. Julia has been swimming for 6 years with multiple swim teams, but the Palisades Swim Team definitely is one of her favorites. Julia’s main events were the 100 yard butterfly and the 100 yard breaststroke. Her season started off with a 1:13.93 in the 100 yard butterfly and a 1:25.40 in the 100 yard breaststroke. Julia also worked her way to PIAA District XI AA, where she swam a 1:08.69 in the 100 yard butterfly, placing her at the 7th spot. She also swam the 100 yard breaststroke, with a time of 1:18.98, placing her in 10th place. By the end of the season, Julia managed to drop 5 seconds in the 100 yard butterfly and 7 seconds in the 100 yard breaststroke.

Although the Palisades Swim Team only had three swimmers this year, all the swimmers highly recommend this sport for fellow classmates to give a chance. Although swimming can be challenging at some points, it is very rewarding, teaches discipline, and most importantly, is fun. Swimmers can continue competitively or leisurely past high school with immense health benefits, as well. The swimmers supported each other through tough practices, celebrated each victory together, and learned from every setback. As the season comes to a close, the Palisades High School Swim Team can look back on their accomplishments with pride, and look forward to next season.