Eight swimmers from the Charger Aquatics – Los Alamos swim team attended a unique competitive swim camp June 16-24 at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

Swimmers include Maria Venneri, 15, Connor Schultz, 16, Sam Harris, 15, Sarah Lott, 14, Isabelle Runde, 14, Kaan Unal, 13, Radhika Iyer, 12 and Sara Shiina, 12.  

The camp offered the swimmers the latest information in training, stroke technique, core development and mental preparation for successful racing.

Los Alamos swimmers join Bates College swimmers for a lake swim. Courtesy photo

Completing their lake swim from left, Maria Venneri, Sarah Lott, Sam Harris, Connor Schultz, Radhika Iyer, Sara Shiina and Kaan Unal. Courtesy photo

Each day of camp at Tarbell Pool included two water sessions, group and individual instruction, dry-land routines and valuable information from several guest lecturers.  

The camp also offered each high school camper, 15 years and older, a chance to gain knowledge about the college recruiting process through evening lectures including what opportunities exist at each level (Division I, Division II, Division III); creating a swimming resume and recruiting plan; academic interests and college majors; and what college coaches want from recruits.

The camp staff included top college coaches who were on deck to lead the training and technique sessions throughout the week – including Head Coach Abby Brethauer at University Mary Washington, Head Coach Brad Burnham at Bowdoin College, Assistant Coach Carlos Vega at Wellesey College and Head Coach Peter Casares at Bates College. 

Swimmers enjoy a day at the beach from lrft, Kaan Unal, Sara Shiina and Sarah Lott. Courtesy photo

Utilizing video cameras both above and below the surface of the water, swimmers worked with these coaches to identify weaknesses in their strokes, and also how to correct these problems employing the latest trends in stroke instruction.  

Not only did these coaches help to sharpen campers’ attitudes about proper training and competition, but also helped the participants focus their short and long-term goals to help them reach their absolute potential. 

The sole mission of the camp’s coaching staff each day was to take every step possible to stimulate every swimmer’s love for the sport – and they succeeded! 

Los Alamos swimmers on the porch of the dorms in Leweston, Maine from left Connor Schultz, Kaan Unal, Isabelle Runde, Sam Harris, Sarah Lott, Radhika Iyer, Maria Venneri and Sara Shiina. Courtesy photo

The Charger Aquatics–Los Alamos swimmers impressed the college coaches who stated they would like to see these kids return again next year. 

Our local swimmers made new friends and amazed the other kids at camp, from around the New England area, with their fast swimming and work ethic.

Sara Shiina and Kaan Unal attend classroom instruction. Courtesy photo

Isabelle Runde and Sam Harris prepare to fly back to Los Alamos. Courtesy photo