Junior Isabel Ondracek at the 2025 GMACs
Courtesy | The Hillsdale Athletic Department

The Hillsdale swim team started the season at its Blue and White intrasquad meet Sept. 27 with the freshman class placing in the top spots in each event.

Head coach Kurt Kirner said collectively the energy and efforts made by the team were impressive, especially from the freshmen.

“The freshmen came to swim and shined as a new group,” Kirner said.

The team split into two teams, the blue team and the white team, and competed against each other in an effort to build up excitement for the upcoming season.

“I’m pleasantly surprised at the competitiveness of the team and feel confident that by the end of the season we are going to have records broken and some quality efforts that set the state for the next couple of years,” Kirner said.

Swimmers on the team also spoke to the energy and competitive spirit present on deck this past weekend. Sophomore swimmer Ella Schafer said the Blue and White meet is always helpful in preparing for the season.

“The Blue and White meet is definitely tough, both mentally and physically, but it is a great training tool for the team,” Schafer said. “It allows us to get back into racing and redevelop a competitive spirit. It is an opportunity for everyone on the team to experiment with some races and push themselves to find their limit.”

Schafer also said the meet revealed great character and brought encouragement to the team.

“The Blue and White meet made it obvious that everyone on the team is invaluable,” Schafer said. “Each person is very talented and brings a great deal to the program through both their swimming and character.”

Sophomore Matilyn Wilhelmsen said the meet readied her and her teammates for future meets and gave them a starting point for season goals.

“This meet helped me get into a competitive mindset for this season, giving me goals to chase during practices and making sure I give my all for my team,” Wilhelmsen said. “The tone for this season is fast. The team is ready for a great season.”

Wilhelmsen said the team is the strongest she’s ever seen and consistently giving their all. 

“Racing on Saturday was just the beginning, and everyone has so much to offer this season,” Wilhelmsen said. “Our team is going to crush it this year, and the relays are looking especially exciting.”