Closed for the winter? Not San Luis High School’s pool. Photo courtesy of Juniper Patrick-Miernicki.

  San Luis Obispo High School features aquatic sports during the fall and spring seasons, but that doesn’t mean the pool is closed for winter. Water polo players keep up their skill with club Polo, and swimmers start pre-season after Thanksgiving break to prepare for the upcoming season.  

  Winter is also a great time for students new to swimming to start practicing, rather than joining when the season is in full swing and coaches are focused on meets. 

  “It’s very chill. [The swimmers] enjoy it more. The practices are easier, we’re just getting to know everybody on the team. It’s very important that we have good connections with everybody so that our season can be the best it can be,” said sophomore Kale Burk.

  It is extremely beneficial for new and returning swimmers to come to pre-season to get to know their teammates. As Burk stated, having good relationships with your teammates can improve your experience on the team significantly, and help you perform better. 

  Going to preseason can also help you decide if you want to be on the team in spring before it’s too late to change your schedule. 

  “I think it would be a good idea if you don’t already have a winter sport to do, so you can understand the vibe. [Swimming] is a very hard sport, and some people think it’s just playing in the pool but it’s not. If you enjoy pre-season you can go on and be successful during third trimester,” said Burk.  

  Some swimmers also participate in winter polo, the winter water polo club offered at the SLOHS pool. Some enjoy winter polo for the skill practice and increased stamina, but others have simpler reasons. 

  “You get jacked, it’s fun and you make friends,” said senior Elle Jensen.

  However, despite the community and fun off-season practices can offer, many swimmers dread the chilly weather and rigorous practices that can come with it. 

  “Pre-season is a lot more intense than on season, because that’s when you’re putting in all that effort. Spring is when you’re displaying the progress and effort you have made. I [also] really dislike the cold,” said sophomore Jo Bancroft. 

  SLOHS has a very impressive swim and dive team, remaining undefeated in league for ten years now. One key to the team’s success is starting practices far before the season, as soon as trimester two starts. Although the weather isn’t as pleasant and the sets may be harsher, preseason is a great warm up to the spring season. Tigers interested in swimming, make sure to come to preseason.