Girls swim and dive team aim to be their best

This season’s girls swim and dive team are a tight group of 24 athletes, including six newcomers, ready to take advantage of their small-school status in Division I, dominated by Newburgh, Pine Bush, Monroe-Woodbury and Kingston. 

Lead by veteran coaches John and Antoinette Quinn and five captains eager to set a good example, their focus in on personal improvement and team work.

Mr. Quinn, a retired NYPD sergeant, has been coaching swimming for 30 years, the last 25 with wife Antoinette, a retired teacher. They love working together, in and off the pool deck. When asked about their approach to coaching, they complete each other’s sentences: “It’s about personal improvement—their personal best times. It’s about camaraderie—and social skills. It’s not always about winning—it’s about learning to work as a team. Getting along is the most important thing—character building!”

With five seventh-graders and one freshman joining the program this fall, two-year Captain Eleanor Glover, a senior, is especially aware of her leadership role. “Captains are chosen because they show dedication to the team and they are someone others can look up to.” And she’s grateful for the lessons of her responsibility. “Being a captain has showed me that I can contribute to something bigger,” Eleanor said. “I can cheer up someone who’s having a bad day, and I can step up when the coaches need my help. As a senior, my goal this year is to work hard every day, end on a good note and finish strong.”

Four-year swimmer and new Captain Hannah Machingo, a sophomore, is honored to be nominated a captain. “I always looked up to my team captains and I wanted others to look up to me as well,” Hannah said. “I like helping people and the idea of setting a good example for others. We are a big family who looks out for each other and we have the backs of our new athletes.” A multi-sport athlete, Hannah will work to make section’s for her relays this season, and hopes the team will break new records.