Hollins University

The seniors on Hollins University’s swim team ended their careers in style at the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships in February, finishing sixth overall and achieving numerous personal records and other honors along the way.

Seniors Cameron Foster, Erin Lavender-Stott, and Caroline Studley each had a career meet, setting multiple lifetime-best times. Sage Otto '13 followed their example, earning All-ODAC Honorable Mention.

The standout performances at the ODAC Championships were consistent with the team’s effort throughout its 4-6 season. Hollins swimmers battled to the end in every meet, losing several meets by less than 20 points, and displayed an unselfish approach typified by the willingness of many team members to swim in different types of events depending on which opponent Hollins faced. As the season progressed, team members lowered their times and became increasingly competitive. In recognition, Foster, Lavender-Stott, Studley and Otto, along with Kate Teiken '12, received Hollins Student Athlete of the Week honors.

The senior leaders on the swim team passed along the qualities of determination, a positive attitude, and an unparalleled work ethic to a very talented and eager group of underclassmen, giving the program a strong framework for the future. From the first meet that featured over 20 lifetime bests through the final crowd-pleasing relay at the ODAC Championships, the 2009-10 season is one that will be long-remembered.

During his first season at the helm of the Hollins University swim team, Coach Jonathan Raines led a squad that was small in number but big on effort.

Despite the fact that this year’s roster was less than half the size of the previous season’s, the team remarkably matched its overall record of 4-7 from 2007-08. "The team knew they would be facing opponents who could fill out the entire lineup every time they competed," Raines says. "However, they still managed to win and take teams down to the final few events. There is a very positive attitude on this team and we train to be ready to swim as well in our last event as we do in the first."

Equally as impressive was the shattering of 68 personal records over the course of the year. "Our expectations were high," Raines notes. "Every time we climbed on the block we expected to drop time."

Another of the season’s highlights was the ODAC/Atlantic State Championship Meet. For the first time in school history, the entire roster made the finals during each session.

Raines sees a bright future for his team, citing the largest recruiting class in recent memory and the loss of only one graduating senior from this year’s squad. "The dedication, drive, and lessons learned during the 2008-2009 season are going to be the foundation for a new chapter in Hollins swimming," he says. "The excitement is undeniable. It is a fun time to be a part of this program."