The signal whistle sounds and a heat of girls step onto their starting blocks. With goggles on, facing forward and eyes trained on the pool, sophomore Daisy Huang bends and readies herself to dive into another race.
Huang has been swimming since she was seven, originally trying out for the Brookline town-wide team, the Dolphins, and was very excited when she made the team.
Since then, Huang has swum for the girls varsity swim and dive team both freshman and sophomore year. This year, Huang qualified for MIAA Division I State Championships(states) in five of the six events she swims. She also swims on the Charles River Aquatics club team in Wellesley.
Girls varsity swim and dive head coach Cary Monz said Huang embodies what a teammate should be.
“Daisy always makes it a point to include everyone. She’s incredibly encouraging,” Monz said. “She always high-fives the freshmen after their races, and it’s always nice to get that from someone older than you, especially someone you look up to. She’s just a really supportive friend and isn’t the type to look for attention.”
Freshman and teammate Hanna Shimbori said that Huang always carries a positive attitude and doesn’t let her results or other people affect her.
During the 2022-2023 Brookline Dolphins season, Huang and Shimbori broke the 4×50 freestyle relay record, along with sophomores Mirta Ceraj and British International School of Boston swimmer Addison Tong.
According to Huang, setting a new Dolphin’s relay record was a surreal moment for everyone.
“I remember when we were eight or nine years old, and we would look at the record boards and joke about seeing our names up there one day. It was such a cool moment to see that come true because it’s not something you expect, only something you imagine,” Huang said.
Monz said Huang’s dominant performance is a reflection of her strong work ethic.
“Daisy has grown so much since last year. She’s gotten much faster in breastroke, which historically has been one of her weakest strokes,” Monz said. “Last week, I saw Daisy working with the freshman on their breastroke technique, and it was nice to see her step into that leadership role.”
According to Huang, success in swimming is related to having a growth mindset, so she always tries to avoid thinking about her races while behind the blocks, focusing instead on having fun.
“Last year I really focused on trying to make the cut for states. This year I’ve tried to put more effort into my races themselves and trying new events, which has really helped me become a better swimmer,” Huang said.
One of her biggest goals for the season is to have fun with her team without putting too much pressure on her swims.
“I really want to try every single event this season. I haven’t done the 100 butterfly yet in a meet, and I want to know what it’s like and if I’m good at it,” Huang said. “But most of all, I’m looking forward to making some great memories with the girls this year.”
Monz said she believes Huang has the potential to qualify for states in every single event if she wants to.
“A couple of girls had a clean sweep last year, and it would be great to see her carry on the tradition,” Monz said. “Daisy didn’t necessarily walk in as the number one swimmer, but she has worked hard and earned her success and definitely has the makings to be in swimming for a long time.”
