Charlottesville Swans prepare for synchronized swimming regionals

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The Charlottesville Swans synchronized swimming team is preparing for regionals while also recruiting new members.

“You’re basically dancing and doing ballet in the water,” says Jessi Garrison. “You also have to hold you’re breath and smile and look pretty and artistic all while holding you’re breath and making sure you are on count.”

The group of about 20 kids ranges from eight to 18 years-old.

“I love the music and being in the water,” says Audrey Frink. “Synchronized swimming combines a lot of the sports I love, like gymnastics and swimming and I can do them all at once.”

Head coach Samantha Elhart was a synchronized swimmer at the University of Richmond and started the Charlottesville Swans 13 years ago, teaching the techniques.

“At the beginning when you kick a ball it looks like soccer. Synchronized swimming looks a little bit like they’re struggling,” says Elhart. “When they put it all together it really is beautiful.”

She’s hoping to grow the program and recruit new members.

“Every time we are out in the community and we say we have a synchronized swimming team, people say they still don’t know,” says Elhart. “Because of Covid we didn’t take new members, so we really need the next generation of synchronized swimmers.”

The girls are in the pool twice a week for practice

“I watched some of my earlier videos and its fun to see how I’ve improved,” says Frink.

It’s a quest to be in sync for regionals in just weeks.

“Just putting in all the hard work and making sure you keep yourself accountable,” says Bella Guo.

The Swans will put on a free water show at the Fairview Pool on Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m. They are also holding camps this summer to recruit swimmers.

Here is a link with more information:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AiEz8s4zv/

Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here.