Stories

Redemption Arc: Addison wins title, helps lift Western to state runner-up finish

Photo by Bart Isley

Western Albemarle’s swim and dive coaching staff celebrates all the Warriors’ wins big and small at the state championships. But sometimes it’s clear that certain victories just mean a little more. 

 

And when Western coach Dan Bledose celebrates by throwing both fists straight in the air like he did when senior Julie Addison touched the wall in the 100 backstroke, it’s obvious the win that just happened is something particularly special. 

 

“Last year I got second and I just wanted redemption so he knew I really wanted it and getting first, I was just so excited,” Addison said.

 

Addison’s performance helped boost the Warriors to a state runner-up performance behind champion Monacan. Addison won the 100 backstroke by a full second this time, leaving no doubt about her title. She also took sixth in the 200 IM and swam legs of the state runner-up 200 medley relay and the third place 400 freestyle relay. 

 

Grace McCardle and Lucille Nicholson also put together strong days, with McCardle taking fifth in the 100 free while also swimming on all three relays that took fourth, third and third on the night. Nicholson took fifth in the 500 free and eighth in the 200 IM as well as swimming on that 400 free relay. 

 

Freshman Lily Phillips took ninth in the 100 free and 11th in the 200 free while swimming on the 200 free and 400 free relay teams. Eliza Osada, a freshman, finished 10th in the 200 IM and 11th in the 100 butterfly and was one leg of the 200 medley relay. Ellie Schundler, a junior, took sixth in the 100 breaststroke and swam on the runner-up 200 medley relay. Sophia Ma took eighth in the 100 breaststroke and swam on the 200 medley relay. Gigi Hathaway took 10th in the 50 free and swam on the 200 free relay. Freshman Emerson Ritter took 16th in the 100 breaststroke. 

 

Earlier in the week, Raina Fitzwater took fourth in the dive while Emily Mandell took fifth and Madison Anderson finished 11th. 

 

Orange County also had a scroer as senior Charlotte Samuels took 11th in the 200 IM and 13th in the 100 freestyle. The Hornets also took 15th as a team in the 200 free relay. Louisa’s Ollie Hobbs took ninth in the dive.

 

The Warriors improved on last year’s fourth place finish as a team where Addison, McArdle, Ma and Schundeler were also key swimmers. With a ton of young swimmers coming up in the mix, it’s likely the Warriors are in a good position to keep making noise at the state meet for years to come. No matter what the finish, Western’s girls will make sure they’re bringing the same energy every year.

 

“Our team really stands out against every other team, we’re all cheering for one another no matter what lane, what heat you’re in, we always want to make each other feel special,” Addison said. “I love this team.”

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