Vernon swimming powered by unprecedented eight captains

It’s safe to say the 2025-26 Vernon High School girls’ swimming program isn’t lacking in the leadership department.

The Vikings feature eight very capable senior captains: Carly Amorosi, Gabi Cefaloni, Julie Evanick, Rylee Keenan, Maureen Lovett, Juliette Miller, Rihanna Rojas and Ale Roman.

“In my 18 years of coaching, I have never had eight captains, but, I don’t know if in 18 years, I have ever had such a well-rounded senior class,” Vernon coach Jennifer Shirhall said. “Each of these young ladies brings something special to the table and assist me with leading this team to a successful season. Some provide experience as they have been swimming their whole lives and some offer compassion, spirit and drive to our younger swimmers.

Five of the captains have received all-area recognition during their time on the team.

“All of them have shown maturity, growth, teamwork and leadership to help our younger swimmers as well as me,” Shirhall said. “They are all role models, good humans and great swimmers.’’

Maturity is a key term when describing the captains’ leadership abilities.

“These girls have taken it upon themselves to organize some great team bonding events, they make sure info is shared with the whole team and they are such an asset to me,’’ Shirhall said. “Not only do they make sure that their teammates are OK, they regularly check in on me to see any way they can assist me or just make sure I am OK. They have the purest hearts and I am so, so proud of the amazing young women they are.’’

Not surprisingly, all eight leaders are standout students.

“All eight of these young ladies embody what a true scholar athlete is,’’ Shirhall said. “Not only do they excel on the pool deck, but they excel in the classroom as well. Some of them are ranked in the top of their class, some take honors and AP courses and some are involved in a multitude of extracurriculars. They are not only leaders on this team but amongst their peers.’’

Shirhall is impressed with the sincere interactions between the captains and their teammates.

“These girls are exactly the type of role models that I want for our younger swimmers,’’ Shirhall said. “They are caring, knowledgeable, successful and good role models. I know that I can count on them for anything.’’

The Vikings are scheduled to face Madison on Jan. 27.

“In addition to our captains, junior Alex Kovacs and freshmen Juliet Schwarz and Alicia Kovacs have been major contributors to us having some of the top times in the county,” Shirhall said.