The PA Swim and Dive Team attended the 2026 Class 5 VHSL Swim and Dive Meet on Feb. 21. Three events were swam at this meet, including the Women’s 200 Medley Relay, the Boys 400 Relay Free, and the Girls 100 Back. The Cavaliers’ participation at this meet rounded out the end to an already successful season.
At states, the Girls 200 Medley Relay, swam by sophomore Peyton Degarmo, sophomore Alex Chapman, sophomore Kimberly Zmuda, sophomore Presley Hoke, and junior Braya Forrest, placed 13th with a time of 1:58.14. The Men’s 400 Relay Free Swam by sophomore Alex Koenig, junior Max Alpigini, freshman Alessio Castiglioni, and junior Matthew Wedin Wicks placed 12th with a time of 3:21.94. Lastly, freshman Emily Boyce placed 11th with a time of 1:02.38 in the Women’s 100 Back.
Degarmo reflected on her experience attending states “I thought the states went really well! The experience was so fun, and the group that went up to the state meet made the experience so much fun,” she remarked. This is Degarmo’s second time going to states, as she went her freshman year as well. She explained how she enjoyed having a larger group of people at states this year, because there was more support for PA and for each swimmer during and after each of their events.
Alex Koenig, another swimmer who attended states, explained “The swim season was really good. I think it went really well!” he commented. “There was a pretty good turnout of newcomers, which was good to have new people on the team.” He commented that the success of the team throughout the season came with “many wins for both the boys and girls.” This is Koenig’s second swim season on the Swim and Dive team.
Along with the normal swim meets, there were additional swim meets that added to the season. “We get to go to Kecoughtan this year for the first time in a few years,” senior Maeve Fitzkee commented. “Kecoughtan is a fun, high-level competitive swim meet that a lot of teams go to that is different from our normal meets.” Along with Kecoughtan, the Swim and Dive Team attended districts, regionals, and then states. Fitzkee was one of the captains this year on the team
Koenig shared his favorite aspect of the swim team: the team camaraderie and closeness of the team. According to Koenig, every Thursday before the swim meets, there are pasta parties where the team gathers at someone’s house and brings food and bonds as a team. “We do talk about swimming and strategizing, but mostly it is just a good team bonding event,” Konig explains.
Degarmo really enjoyed the team atmosphere this season. “The team was really close this year.It definitely helped the team succeed in the water throughout the season,” she said.
Fitzkee commented on the familiarity of the team and the captains. She explained how this role was very special and exciting to her. “Getting to lead the team, like I have seen like so many swimmers before, and getting to carry that role this year was something really special and meaningful this season,” Fitzkee remarked.
Overall, Koenig explained, “I really enjoyed competing this season, both at states and in the normal season. The team was really tight this year, and I am excited for next season!”
