Senior Briana Cornoiu always felt swimming came naturally to her. She has been on the girls’ varsity swim team for all four years, most commonly swimming in the 100 meter backstroke, she said.

From swimming since she was seven to becoming the varsity team captain, Cornoiu’s journey first began when her mother wanted her and her siblings to learn to swim, she said. As she progressed to high school, Cornoiu also began competing in water polo her freshman year, she said. Because water polo is a team sport and swimming is not, Cornoiu has learned the importance of being a team player.

“I’m a part of the water polo team, and there is a huge difference in mentality between individual sports and team sports,” Cornoiu said.

Swimming sharpened Cornoiu’s physical skills and has shaped her personality. As a freshman, being welcomed by the team’s upperclassmen helped Cornoiu build confidence, she said.

“During my freshman year, I was definitely shy, but a lot of the upperclassmen on the team were all really nice to me,” Cornoiu said. “Especially during times of stress, swimming has always felt like a breath of fresh air.”

Justin Jornd, Girls’ Head Varsity Swim Coach, highlights Cornoiu’s ability to maintain physical endurance in relation to her surroundings, he said. Through the qualities Cornoiu possesses, she is able to dedicate her time in planning for her next accomplishments, Jornd added.

“Swimming requires a lot of physical strength and also immense body awareness which are the two requirements Briana is able to bridge well,” Jornd said. “She also constantly has lofty goals for every season and knows those are only accomplished through routine hard work.”

Being on the swim team has also forced Cornoiu to stay mentally grounded in a sport focused on individual skills, she said. While there are challenging moments, Cornoiu emphasizes the importance of finding stability through the obstacles of each swim meet.

“In swimming, athletes can miss the cut to compete at state by milli-seconds and it’ll all be on them,” Cornoiu said. “That’s why it’s important to find a balance of mentally coping with those challenges.”

Junior Ellie Ventura, Varsity Swimmer, also emphasized the leadership qualities Cornoiu possesses that make her a dependable friend and swim captain for the team. Having her presence on the team has created a positive environment and helped shape the performance of her fellow teammates, Ventura said.

“Briana leads people in a way that makes them want to listen to her,” Ventura said. “She’s constantly able to get everyone in a good mood, and watching her has really inspired me to want to become a leader.”

Cornoiu’s four years in the swim program have helped her grow in numerous ways, and as she reflects on her final season, she hopes to leave a lasting impact on future teams.

“Throughout the season, I see my teammates so much that they’re practically my second family, and I’m going to miss having those roots to always fall back onto,” Cornoiu said. “Now, I want to help the underclassmen the same way the seniors helped me when I was a freshman.”