Owls prepare for midseason meet with championship mindset
As the swim team reaches the midpoint of their season, the Owls are focused on refining their approach, embracing a culture of accountability and pushing themselves to excel at the AAC Championships and NCAA competitions, according to senior swimmer Arielle Hayon.
Hayon, recently named AAC Swimmer of the Week, provided insight into the demanding nature of the team’s current training.
“We’re definitely in the thick of a lot of really hard training,” Hayon said. “Right now, it’s more about executing races well and staying consistent rather than hitting our best times. We’re pushing through, knowing that our peak is yet to come.”
Hayon, who has qualified for the NCAA Championships three times but has yet to make a final, has set high personal and team goals for her final season.
“The big personal goal for me is to make a final at NCAA Championships,” Hayon said. “I’ve been close for the past three years, and it’s time to take that next step. For the team, winning a conference championship is huge for us. We know it’s within reach, but it’s going to require everyone stepping up.”
Head coach Seth Huston said that the team is aiming to improve both physically and mentally, changing how they approach competition. One of the significant adjustments has been the introduction of detailed meet scripting, which helps athletes plan their race-day routines.
“We’re spending a lot of time on planning everything out, from race-day nutrition to mental preparation,” Huston said. “The idea is to be prepared for anything so that on race day, the athletes are ready to execute rather than react. Competing is stressful enough, so having a plan makes a huge difference.”
The team’s younger members have also played a crucial role in the season’s development, Huston said.
“Our freshmen have meshed very well with the team,” Huston said. “They bring a great competitive spirit and are already contributing at a high level. It’s not easy for newcomers to step into that environment, but they’ve done so impressively.”
Hayon echoed this, and said the freshmen have brought a boost in energy and competition.
“Training with them has been really motivating,” Hayon said. “We’re all really pushing each other, which is exactly what we need. It’s exciting to have younger swimmers who are eager to race and compete at a high level.”
Accountability has become a cornerstone of the team’s culture this year, a shift that both Hayon and Huston said was essential.
“We’ve made it a priority to support each other while also making sure everyone is meeting our standards,” Hayon said. “It’s about being honest and upfront when things need to be addressed, but it comes from a place of wanting to see each other succeed.”
The upcoming midseason meet will be a crucial test for the Owls, according to Huston.
“It’s a great evaluation tool,” Huston said. “We’ll see how we manage a multi-day competition and what adjustments we need to make before conference. The good thing is, we have time—December, January and most of February—to refine and get better.”
The addition of a diving team this year also brings new opportunities and challenges.
“Having divers on the team for the first time will change how we compete at the conference level,” Hayon said. “It’s an exciting new dynamic, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they contribute to our overall success. If we stay resilient, competitive and focused, I believe we can accomplish something great.”
The Owls are gearing up to compete at the Phill Hansel Invitational, hosted by the University of Houston, from Nov. 20 to 22.
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