Winter athletics are officially underway at the Abington Friends School, meaning the swim season has started in full swing. Coaches Eugene Feeley and Lauren Bracey have been working hard these past few weeks to prepare plans to make the team the best it can be this year.
Feeley is an experienced swim coach. “This is my fourth year at AFS, but I’ve been coaching Swim for 10 to 12 years,” he said.
The swim team’s first practice was outside of the water as the team made initial introductions, discussed plans for the season, tried on uniforms, and did some quick strength and conditioning training.
“Main goals for the season are to continue to grow the team and to continue to increase the attendance of the team; make sure people are showing up and working hard at practice,” Feeley said.
The AFS swim team competes in the Friends School League, and the best way to score points in the league is to have as many people swimming in as many events as possible. The swim team is lacking in male-identifying members this year and, therefore, will likely not be able to compete in as many categories as the team would like. So… if you are male-identifying and like to swim, definitely consider joining the team!
Swimming provides students with a fun way to engage in a competitive sport. The team maintains a lighthearted demeanor, but if you enjoy the competition and rivalry that comes with team sports, there is an opportunity for that as well.
“I’d say we have some close matchups in the FSL League; it’s nice to have some competitive meets,” said Feeley.
The AFS swim team practices in and out of the water every week. “Dryland” workouts consist of cardio, abdominal exercises, and circuit training in the weight room. The plan for this year is to weight train every Tuesday and Thursday, an increase from last year, where the team only trained in the weight room on Tuesdays. Weight training is beneficial to swimmers in the sense that it helps build muscle groups that are useful for different swim events.
Feeley said, “The team is always improving. We were kind of in the middle of the league last year, and we’re just going to keep on getting better.”
The team swims in the pool at the Abington Club down the street from school. The pool schedule this year will likely be Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as well as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons.
Official meets are set to begin in early December; the first scheduled meet is planned to be December 12, after school at Perkiomen.
The team this year consists of both experienced, returning swimmers and newer team members. Leila Wang ‘27 said, “[The swim team is] really fun. We support each other, and you do not need to be good at swimming. You don’t even need to know how to swim, because we can teach you.”
While the meets, practices, and other swim team highlights such as Easterns (a big meet in February) are exciting aspects of the swim team, there seems to be an overwhelming sentiment of camaraderie that makes the sport so enjoyable.
Kylie Firmin ‘26 said, “My favorite part is the teammates. I think we always find good ways to have fun. We try to be close with each other, build community, and just make the most of the team.”
Casio Ballod ‘29 said, “The community is definitely my favorite part. We would all sit on the bus and talk, and sometimes go to Wawa after the meets.”
A highlight for supporters this year is going to be watching the seniors finish out their final swim season. The team has a good amount of seniors, including Kylie Firmin, Percy Kent, Sophia Schwartz, Hunter Rems, and Harrison Dowdy.
Firmin said “I think I’m most excited to see how I’ve grown compared to last year. Also, as a senior, to finish out my last high school year of swimming.”
The swim team is always looking for new members to join the team, and wants everyone to know that you do not need experience to be a swimmer. The winter athletics season has only just begun; it is not too late to join!
Firmin said “If you like to swim and if you like to have a good time, then this is the team for you.”
Hunter • Dec 10, 2025 at 11:47 am
The AFS swim team is certainly full of talent and charisma, with each member bringing something truly valuable to the team. The seniors specifically have worked extremely hard throughout multiple years of the sport and deserve special recognition because of their commitment and dedication to the team. Percy Kent is the current boys’ captain and is a phenomenal leader who is able to create strong bonds with returning swimmers and welcome new members with open arms. Additionally, Percy’s attendance is nothing short of exceptional as they not only work hard to attend almost every afternoon practice, but also attend early morning practices before school. Another highlight of the team is Kylie Firmin, who is swimming for her fourth year at AFS. Kylie is exceptionally fast in the pool and is a joy to be around, with jokes, words of encouragement, and an attitude of leading by example, which truly brings the team together in indescribable ways. Lastly, Sophia Schwartz is also swimming for her fourth year at AFS and continues to be a leader amongst the team in and out of the pool. Sophia is one of the hardest workers I know, balancing school, multiple outside activities, and still finding time to come to practice. Sophia has a way of lifting the team up through her presence alone, and it is a joy to be around her at meets and practices. All in all, the seniors on the swim team are truly some of the friendliest, kindest, and hardworking people in our community, and truly make the AFS swim team a family.