By Matt Hylen

For the first time since 2020, the Natick High School Boys Swim and Dive team has won the Bay State Conference.

Coaches Christian Hamer and Hailey Huff led the team to new heights this year, exceeding all expectations after what was an historic regular season.

“It was so great for the kids,” Hamer said. “It was fantastic to see their hard work rewarded.”

Coming into the season, both Coach Hamer and Coach Huff were in a similar boat.

“This was new for both of us,” Hamer explains. “We had some idea of what the team might be like, but the expectations were more about working hard, being good teammates, and seeing where that takes us because good things will happen.”

However, as the season went along, the expectations started to expand as the team’s success grew. “In a few of our first meets, we had people saying we could win the conference. We didn’t really think much about it until the team kept winning and kept doing well,” Huff said.

What is so impressive is that the Natick team was able to win the conference while at a severe disadvantage, since points from swimmers and divers are combined.

“We don’t have any divers this year,” Huff commented. “Every other team in the conference had at least one diver… we often started meets in last place. So the fact we were still able to win [the conference] by the margin we did was all credit to’’ the swimmers.

With nearly ten swimmers having moved onto the postseason, both coaches were in awe of the hard work and dedication the team put in all season long. “They really swam their hearts out all season,” Huff noted.

What makes this team truly special is the unity and chemistry the swimmers share. 

Both coaches were adamant about how crucial the team’s chemistry was to their success.

“They all hang out together,” Huff said. “They all work hard but work together, they cheer each other on… we introduced coach trivia this season where they could win prizes if they get a question right but swim a lap if they get one wrong. I have never seen teenagers so excited to win a rubber duck.”

The boys’ chemistry and unity also shine through the traditions the team holds, with one example being their annual snow day activity. The swimmers will take a video of themselves, in their swim gear, diving into the snow.

“I am not sure when it started but it certainly is great,” Hamer noted. “It is something they can do that is different and unique and just have fun with.”

As the regular season came to a close, both coaches were able to reflect on what they hope the swimmers take away from such an amazing season.

“We’re looking to build confident, reliant, respectful athletes… swimming is a lifetime sport. So, if we’ve helped to improve their confidence, their reliance, and their respect and the way they interact with people, that’s what coaching is all about,” Hamer said.

Huff added, “It’s important to be that kind and caring and compassionate person, no matter what level you are at. Giving them the foundation, like promoting positive language, cheering for the other team, or shaking hands after every meet no matter win or lose… you have to win with humility and lose with respect.”

With all the success that the team has had, Huff and Hamer were not shy to shout out those who have helped the team along the way.

“We have really passionate parents who love their kids and want them to do well,” Huff said. “We’ve had a pretty good turnout of friends and family at close-by meets. Swimming is a hard sport to watch if you don’t understand it, so seeing the Natick community come and watch them succeed anyway and congratulate them… the community has really banded around them this year.”

Hamer also added, “People come together here [in Natick] and they care. The school has been extremely supportive as well as the athletic department. We really appreciate all the folks who have given us this support.”

With the regular season over, both coaches understand what got them to this position and the village it took to bring this team back to the top.

“This didn’t just happen overnight,” Hamer emphasized. “Caitlin Powers coached the team for a long time and she left us with a really strong team and a good foundation.”

Regardless of the result of the playoffs, what this team has accomplished this season is truly remarkable and exemplifies what it truly means to win as a team.