WEST POINT — The West Point Dolphins Swim Team recently finished up an undefeated season in the Middle Peninsula Swim League for the third year in a row. The summer swim league is made up of five swim teams with swimmers from throughout the Middle Peninsula. The league finished up its season with a championship meet on July 20.
The Dolphins beat out the Indian Creek Yacht Club Stingrays, Deltaville Sharks, Rappahannock River Rats and the Middlesex Makos. Begun in the 1980s, the West Point Dolphins Swim Team is run through the Country Club of West Point. The team is self-supporting and open to all community members, drawing swimmers from West Point and New Kent, King William and Gloucester counties.
Alexis Hardy, the Dolphins’ coach for the past 10 years, said she was very proud of the Dolphins’ accomplishments. Her co-coaches were Jessie Allen and Kevin Kurek. Allen pointed out that in swimming, age, gender, race, religion, political beliefs or background doesn’t matter, because the water treats everyone the same.
Swimmers and parents on summer swim teams say the experience is like no other, instilling a sense of community and pride among everyone. “Being apart of summer swim team isn’t just about racing in water; it’s about forging friendships, building resilience and driving into the shared thrill of striving and achieving together,” said parent Lauren Garbett. Summer swim also helps children work on their confidence and consistency while learning an importa.