Darien Senior Swimmers Reflect On Another Successful Season

DARIEN, CT — Despite coming up short in the CIAC State Open Championships this past Sunday, the Darien High School girls swimming and diving team completed another successful season.

On Nov. 15, the Blue Wave captured the Class L title with a total of 789.5 points. A highlight of the event came in the 200-yard medley relay, as seniors Margaret Erickson, Emily Kalvaitis and Natalia Ferranto, and Miller Ward, a junior, won with a final time of 1:46.59 — a new school record.

Since 2000, Darien has won nine Class L championships, three Class M championships and six Class S titles.

The win was also head coach Marjorie Trifone's 18th state championship.

At the Open Championship on Nov. 20, Darien placed second behind Ridgefield with 388.5 points.

While the end of their season and their high school swimming and diving careers is bittersweet, Darien seniors recently reflected on their season, what the Class L title means to them, and how Trifone and fellow coaches Erin Ritz, Maggie Orem and diving coach Joseph Somma have made an impact on them.

Senior swim captain Meg Erickson

"This year, every one put in the hard work and pushed through to get to this point in the season. Every race and swimmer was critical to winning a state championship. As a leader on this team, I have loved watching everyone improve throughout the season and learn what it means to swim for a team. A special thank you to Marj, Erin, and Maggie for encouraging us during every hard set and getting us ready for our championship meets."

Senior Lila Gianukakis

“Winning states means a lot to us as a team and proves how hard we have worked in and out of the pool. I am so proud of this team and everything we have accomplished this season!"

Senior diving captain Olivia Perkins

"Winning states was such a great way to end my senior year and proved that all our hard work and fun paid off. Everyone improved so much throughout the season and it was really special to be a part of."

Senior Lily Bradbury

"Winning states is a huge accomplishment for all of us because it proves that hard work and working together as a team truly pays off. Our team is so special and really is like no other, it is like a family. We practice so often and so hard that a lot of the time it feels like we can’t go much further, but having teammates right there with us offering words of encouragement and support really helps us all get through whatever set Marj throws at us.

"We are all so happy to give Marj her 18th state championship title because she is the most amazing coach out there and she has helped us all achieve this win, we wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. We love you Marj!"

Senior Natalia Ferranto

"Winning states is one of the greatest accomplishments in swimming and especially to this team. Saying winning states is a lot of work doesn’t even begin to express how hard this team trained to get this win. Hours of afternoon and morning practices we all endure strengthened each and every one of us to swim fast. We train as a family and can pull through Marj’s crazy hard sets together. I am forever proud of this team and so happy to be apart of Marj’s 18th win!"

Senior Swim captain Lily Voigt

"I think the most rewarding thing about winning states is seeing everybody’s hard work pay off. Thinking back to all the tough sets, early mornings, and mental toughness it took to get to this point as team captain, I’ve learned that it’s not as much about the title as it is about being alongside my teammates every step of the way and watching them push themselves and grow not only as swimmer but as people too. Thank you to Marj, Erin and Maggie for all the tough sets and motivation to keep us going to win states and get where we are now."

Senior swim captain Emily Kalvitis

"Winning States was definitely one of the highlights of our year. I am so beyond proud of everyone, as we have all worked so hard this season. My favorite part of States is that we all come together and work for something greater than ourselves. As captain, it has been an honor to lead such an amazing group of girls; seeing everyone grow not only as swimmers but also as people has been so special to me. We could not have done it without our wonderful coaches, Marj, Erin and Maggie, thank you guys."