The Beginning of the Path: Major Changes at the Start of the 24-25 Swim & Dive Season

The Sewanee Swim & Dive team’s first morning practice was canceled. Instead, at 8AM on a Saturday in mid September, the team was off-campus hiking Fiery Gizzard. This would mark the first full week of official practices of the 2024-25 season. Only one week in, and already so many things have changed.

The team has doubled in size since welcoming the new Class of 2028. With a total of 19 new swimmers and divers out of 39 athletes total, the incoming class is easily the largest on the team. This class has brought with them so much energy, positivity, and camaraderie, that becoming a cohesive unit has taken no time at all.

Three new coaches have joined the team as well. Veronica Fino has graciously volunteered her time to support the team as an assistant coach. Fino was named an All-American 14 times throughout her swimming career. She swam for, graduated from, and coached at Case Western Reserve University.

Charlie Dunham has taken over as Dive Coach after coaching for several years at Birmingham-Southern College. Dunham has coached eleven Conference champions and six Diver of the Year award winners. Last year he took three BSC divers to NCAAs, two of whom were named All-Americans, with the third earning an Honorable Mention. Dunham is loved for his enthusiasm and passion for diving. The team is thrilled to have him on deck.    

Joining the swim staff is assistant coach Jonah Venos. Venos’s decorated swimming career includes 11 All-American titles, 17 Conference Championships, 5 school records, and the Ohio Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Year award. He has come on deck with a clear love for the sport and a desire to support the team. Already, he is adored by the team for his thoughtful coaching and caring demeanor.

The Sewanee Swim & Dive team has grown and changed significantly since the end of last season. The athletes have adapted quickly, whether it be to new members and coaches or to their first year of college. Despite all of the change, there are two constants at the center of this team: connection to one another and a will to work hard for their success as a whole.

At the end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail is a waterfall. The water is cold, and the team takes it as a reprieve from the hike. They towel off and head home. The hike is over, but the season is beginning, and at the end of this road is Conference Championships. The team takes the weekend to relax, and on Monday, training starts again.