Captain's Corner: Swimming | Avon Old Farms News | About Us | Avon Old Farms

This season, the varsity swim team made the jump from Division 3 to Division 2. This means the team will compete against much tougher competition when they head to the New England Prep Championships on March 7. We sat down with team captain Brady Tollis '26 to learn more.  

How many years have you been swimming at Avon?

“I first joined a club swimming team at 9-years-old. Around 11 or 12 I got much better. I knew some of the guys swimming at Avon so I came here and I’ve been on the varsity team at Avon all four years. My best events are the 100 breast and 200IM, but I do most of the medleys and relays, too.”

Why do you think you were appointed captain?

“I've been here for four years, which gives me more experience than most. I can speak to everyone comfortably. If a teammate isn't feeling ready for a race or had a bad race I can talk to them and get them back in the right mindset.”

What does the role of swim captain entail?

“Overall, it's a matter of keeping everyone locked in. It's my job to get everyone focused when it's time. I also am responsible for leading warm-ups, and I'm usually the first one in and the last one out of the pool.”

What do you think makes a good leader?

“Making sure you can connect with everyone. Having personal relationships with everyone is most important. That allows you to be able to bring everyone together, which creates a better team.” 

What does the jump to Divsion 2 mean for your team?

“It's definitely a big jump, but the way our team swims, we don't want to just be there for fun. We want to compete. Now, we're swimming against much faster swimmers. it will be good for the team to now be in the Division 2 environment. It's more serious. Something that I thrive in is having competition. Having a good swimmer next to me pushes me harder than if I'm out front.”

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

“Personally, I'm hoping to beat the Division 2 record in the 100 breast stroke. I'm close to it. I would already have the Division 3 record, but this is better in a way because it's pushing me harder. As a team, I want everyone to make it to New Englands. We even have a first year swimmer who might make it which is exceptional.”

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