Senior captains leading Vernon swim team

VERNON — It’s extraordinarily difficult to overstate the importance of have proper leadership on a sports team. Some teams may have an ample amount of talented athletes, but are lacking when it comes to those who can help guide their teammates in the right direction.
This isn’t an issue for the Vernon High School girls swimming program. The Vikings have four seniors who continually demonstrate the abilities needed to be honored as a team captain and they are Madison Gigante, Emily Nix, Katie Owens and Emily Rothamel.
“I decided to make these ladies my captains this year because of all of the wonderful attributes they bring to the table," Vernon head coach Jennifer Baldwin said. “They are hard workers, great leaders and talented athletes. They exemplify exactly what I look for and in and out of the pool the four girls are very close.
“Madison is the team’s leading breaststroker. She also does the breaststroke portion of our team’s medley relay and is a part of the team’s 200 freestyle relay. Emily Nix specializes in sprint freestyle events. She has been very successful for our team in the 50 and 100 free this year and also swims on the 200 and 400 freestyle relay. Katie Owens and Emily Rothamel are two of the most versatile swimmers on the team. Katie and Emily swim multiple events with Katie excelling in the butterfly, sprint freestyle and individual medley and Emily in the distance freestyle, backstroke, fly and individual medley. I am able to use both girls in the different relays as well and they add tremendous depth to our team."
Coach Baldwin makes note of the fact that her four captains are well-rounded student-athletes who are considerate of their teammates.
“I am incredibly proud of these girls for the unity they have instilled with this team," Baldwin said. “All of the girls get along incredibly well and they way my captains push and encourage their teammates has been amazing. The work ethic and moral of the team has never been so high. The captains have helped their teammates by encouraging them and helping some of the underclassmen with their technique, their starts and turns.
“All four of my captains are not only excellent swimmers but they are also excellent students. They are involved in multiple sports, school clubs, music, National Honor Society etc. All four girls have been accepted into various four-year universities."