It has long been a known idea that hard work and strong character is rewarded with success. Sarah Chesner is proof that this ideology is not just a made-up fantasy to inspire motivation. 

After six years of swimming, both for club and school teams, Sarah has been named one of the four captains for next year’s girls swim and dive team. Along with fellow juniors Emily Johnson, Rachel Schenk, and Olivia Hooper, Sarah will lead the school’s team all of next year in meets, practices, and morale.

And the fact that the position is not just hers–that it’s a title spread between the four of them– is precisely what she is looking forward to.

“I’m really excited to be captain next year because I’m sharing it with others,” Sarah said. “I think we’re going to be a good team together.”

Sarah’s excitement about her co-captains translates directly into her love for the sport and for all of the teammates at school she shares the experience with. She describes their bond as being very close and a group that wants each member to improve as well as feel loved and included. 

“I like how we all are like a family,” Sarah said, “and we always push each other and we just love each other all the time.”

Sarah thinks the swim team bond is different from that off other sports teams at the school. She describes their quirks and relationships as specific to them and unlike any other group.

“I think our bond is pretty unique,” Sarah said. “We have weird inside jokes and we’re just really close to each other.”

Additionally, Sarah likes the presence of the swim team in her life because of how they uplift her. 

“I’m not really good at other sports,” Sarah said. “[Swimming] pushes me and I also really like the people that do it, they also push me to be better.”

In addition to the number of years Sarah has spent as a swimmer contributing to her being a captain, Sarah also thinks that her character has contributed to the choice as well. For Sarah, a priority in life is to be there for others when they need it.

“I try to reach out to people,” Sarah said when asked on how she tries to maintain her kind persona, “and help them if they are struggling.”

This compassion is not only something that Sarah thinks is missing from the average captain, but is a quality she can’t wait to bring to the table next year. 

“Sometimes things that lack in captains are just making sure everyone is okay,” Sarah said. “So I’m excited to be able to do that next year.”

Sarah does think that she possesses a personality that is a bit opposing, shy but outgoing. But she also thinks that’s what allows her to be so loving toward others.

“I’m pretty shy sometimes,” Sarah said, “but I still can put myself out there. I like caring for people.”

One of the people Sarah continuously cares for is her older sister. Also a swimmer, Sarah said they bonded over the sport, and continue to uplift each other in all areas of life. 

“We’re really close,” Sarah said. “I think she’s really supportive of me no matter what.”

Sarah emphasized their closeness, especially a few years ago when they both played the sport. Sarah said her sister also swam for the school’s team, though jokingly she said, “It’s nice that I’m going to be a captain and she wasn’t.”

The kind, funny behavior that Sarah exhibits around her friends and teammates is not accidental. 

“I just like to make people smile,” Sarah said. “I just want to be there for other people and make sure they aren’t alone.”