The ROHS Girls Varsity Swim and Dive Team has established an impressive, long-lasting record over several seasons. The girls carried their team to a league championship last season. However, the loss of seniors and a mix of wins and losses have made this year more challenging for the girls. Still, they are swimming hard, supporting each other, and focused on goals.
The team suffered losses against Berkley and Farmington in late September, but brought home decisive wins in October against Oxford 116.5-66.5, Notre Dame Prep 125-54 and Lamphere 129-45. The girls achieved a number of successes at the Oakland County Championship Meet on October 4th, where eight state cuts were made in the 50m freestyle, 100m fly, 500m freestyle, and the 100m backstroke events. The bond between these girls shines through meet after meet, fostering a positive mindset.
“I feel like it’s good to have a support system,” said sophomore Mira Tarraf. “Like when you swim badly and you’re close with your team, it’s fine because you have people that are there to support you. If our team was not as close as it is, then it would be much harder to deal with losses.”

The girls have created such a strong team relationship and environment, keeping each other motivated to achieve not only their team goals, but individual goals as well.
“Knowing your team and knowing that everyone is there for you makes it so much more fun to improve and work hard,” said sophomore Kassidy Collins, who has multiple state cuts this season.
Outside of over fifteen hours of practice a week across six days, the girls enjoy spending time together outside of the water.
“Getting together at the beginning of the season and making posters for the car wash has been really fun,” said sophomore Kamryn Eberhardt.
Co-captain, Kaitlyn Eberhardt prefers “going out to breakfast after Saturday practice, and cheering before meets.”
Even though the team has experienced plenty of success, there are still challenges and stress.
“We ended the season at such a high last year, and we were swimming our best. It’s hard to come back and not be swimming in between those times. It can really mess with your mentality,” Tarraf said.
In spite of the stressful times, it’s safe to say the bond between all of the girls is extremely prevalent- playful and fun, yet serious when it is necessary. They’ve taught each other many lessons and carried each other through the ups and downs of the season.
“I’ve learned that if you truly want something, you have to be committed and willing to work hard toward your goals,” said Collins. “I’ve also learned how important it is to support your friends to help them grow as well.”
Many of the girls on the team swim year-round for clubs outside of school including Birmingham Bloomfield Atlantis and the Birmingham Blue Dolphins, as well as swim and golf clubs in the summer, like Red Run in Royal Oak. Their hard work will hopefully pay off in November at the league meet. The state meet will follow later at Oakland University on November 22nd-23rd