It was a championship weekend unlike any other in Nightingale history.

This February, the varsity swim team made waves at the NYSAIS Championships, earning the program’s first-ever state title in a stunning display of teamwork and resilience. Facing off against 17 competitive schools from across New York, the Nighthawks delivered standout performances across the board, winning with a 36-point lead.

The victory was the culmination of a season marked by steady progress, big goals, and a shared commitment to one another. While individual wins and record-breaking swims made headlines, it was the cohesion of the team—the way they prepared, competed, and supported each other—that carried them to the top.

“This year’s team was truly driven by the desire and determination to win both the AAIS and NYSAIS championships. Even before the season began, I believed we had what it took to win, thanks to the leadership and relentless drive of our veteran players. Our team captains, Stella A. ’25 and Isabella C. ’25, made sure every teammate felt welcomed, seen, and heard,” said Coach Kat Hickey.

The season had already taken a historic turn weeks earlier, when the team swept the AAIS Championships, placing first in every single event. That win made a statement—not only about the team’s potential, but about the program’s long-term trajectory. The NYSAIS meet was an opportunity to cement that progress on an even bigger stage. The Nighthawks didn’t flinch.

From the first whistle, the energy on deck was electric. The team set the tone early, breaking the NYSAIS record in the 200 freestyle relay—one of eight school records they would reset that weekend. But it wasn’t just the fastest swimmers who carried the team. Every heat, every point, every swim mattered. From Class VIII students making their NYSAIS debuts to senior leaders anchoring the relays, it was a full-squad effort.

“Winning NYSAIS this year was an amazing way to end my swimming experience at Nightingale,” said Stella A. ’25. “Having been a member of the varsity swim team since seventh grade, I have seen the team evolve in ways we never thought possible. The win was not only a product of the amazing, driven team we had this year, but a culmination of years of Nightingale spirit, student leadership, and coaches.”

The roster—dubbed the “Lucky 13”—was stacked with talent and depth: Stella A. ’25, Isabella C. ’25, Sienna W. ’25, Laura S. ’26, Malena G. ’27, Ali W. ’27, Emme S. ’28, Camille A. ’29, and Halina H. ’29. Together, they represented five grades and a range of competitive experiences, from seasoned club swimmers to rising Middle School talent.

Coach Hickey, who has led the program for four years, reflected on what it meant to see the team come full circle. “I started coaching the team four years ago, when the seniors were freshmen. I was able to see them grow as swimmers and end their Nightingale careers as champions,” she said.

She added, “The team’s unity was the foundation of our success."

Each swimmer consistently showed up for one another and pulled their weight. During the AAIS championship meet, several swimmers weren’t feeling their best, yet they pushed through and helped secure first place in every event. At every meet, they cheered with intensity and heart as if it were their last. When we reached NYSAIS and they realized they had won, the emotions overflowed as they embraced one another. This team became like a small family, willing to do anything for each other.”

That sense of camaraderie didn’t come out of nowhere. It was cultivated intentionally over time, through shared experiences both in and out of the pool. They encouraged one another to reach new goals, and when setbacks arose, they lifted each other up.

“I would definitely say that being part of the team was more than just swimming fast,” said Isabella C. ’25, who will be swimming for Williams College next year. “We worked a lot on our team culture this year, both by cultivating an environment where we support each other during practices but also by just focusing on team bonding. I remember one of the mornings where we didn’t have the pool. We talked about our team values and then got to play sardines in the lower lobby. I think we went into the season with a very positive mindset, and we were able to maintain that through supporting each other.”

Four swimmers hit personal records at NYSAIS: Camille A. in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly; Stella A. in the 500 freestyle; and Malena G. in the 100 backstroke. Several of those times would have stood alone as a major accomplishment in any other season. This year, they were part of a larger story—one that blended personal achievement with team momentum.

Eight school records fell. One NYSAIS record was set. But perhaps the greatest takeaway from the season was how it shifted the culture and expectations of the program itself. With a team-wide commitment to growth, support, and shared success, Nightingale swimming emerged not just as a contender, but as a team with staying power.

“With such a diverse and successful team this year, including two eighth graders who qualified and competed at NYSAIS, I have high hopes for the future of this program,” said Coach Hickey. “I’m excited to welcome new athletes to try out next season and to keep building on the strong bond and winning tradition we’ve started.”

In the weeks after their historic win, the team took time to reflect on everything they’d accomplished. From record-breaking relays to hard-fought individual races, it was a season they’ll remember for a long time—not just for the results, but for the experience they shared along the way. •

Moments from Varsity Swimming's Season

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This article recently appeared in the summer issue of The Blue Doors.