The New Canaan High School girls’ swim and dive team wrapped up their 2024 campaign with outstanding performances, securing the runner-up title at the Class L State Championships and finishing fourth overall at the CIAC State Open Championships. Competing at Yale University’s Payne Whitney Gymnasium, the Rams demonstrated depth, grit, and teamwork across all events, solidifying their status as one of Connecticut’s premier programs.
Emma Kelly Shines in Diving
Senior Emma Kelly capped her high school career with a dominant performance, winning the 1-meter diving competition with a score of 526.30. This marked her second undefeated season, during which she also claimed FCIAC and Class L state titles while breaking the school’s six-dive and 11-dive records.
“Emma is the kind of athlete who elevates the entire team,” said head coach Katherine Munson. “Her consistency and excellence in diving have been a cornerstone of our program. She’s had an incredible career.”
Sophomore Julie Frangione added to the team’s diving success, placing seventh with a score of 412.55, further underscoring New Canaan’s dominance in this discipline.
Relay Teams Lead the Charge
The Rams’ relay teams showcased their prowess against tough competition. The 400-yard freestyle relay, featuring seniors Isabella Sarracino and Lily Dunn, alongside sophomores Leni So and Emilia Bieliauskaite, secured seventh place with a time of 3:40.45. In the 200-yard medley relay, Sarracino, Dunn, So, and junior Emily Pastushan combined for a fifth-place finish at 1:50.88.
“Our relays were key to our success,” said Coach Munson. “The effort these girls put into perfecting their exchanges and pacing was incredible. These are the kinds of swims that reflect the strength of the whole team.”
Individual Stars and
Team Depth
Sophomore Leni So emerged as a standout performer, finishing fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:06.05) and 13th in the 200-yard individual medley (2:13.07). Senior Lily Dunn capped her high school career with a 12th-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly (59.68).
“Leni’s versatility is a game-changer,” said Munson. “She’s only a sophomore, and she’s already proven herself as a reliable and dynamic competitor. I’m excited to see what she’ll accomplish in the coming years.”
Additional points came from sophomore Emilia Bieliauskaite, who placed 18th in the 100-yard freestyle (54.84), and junior Emily Pastushan, who finished 17th in the 100-yard backstroke (1:00.88) and 21st in the 500-yard freestyle. Senior Isabella Sarracino also contributed with a 16th-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle (54.63).
A Season of Team Triumphs
Coach Munson highlighted the importance of team depth in achieving their runner-up finish at the Class L meet.
“Going into the season, we aimed to win Class L,” Munson said. “When Ridgefield dropped down from Class LL to Class L, we knew that goal would be tougher, but it didn’t deter us. Our second-place finish is a testament to the whole team stepping up. It wasn’t just about our top performers—it was everyone contributing.”
Munson emphasized the challenges of competing in Class L, where the level of competition is particularly high.
“Class L was incredibly competitive this year,” she said. “We had swimmers who would’ve made finals in other classes but didn’t qualify in L because of how strong the field was. To finish as runner-up in such a tough class is a huge accomplishment.”
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Coach Munson expressed optimism about the program’s trajectory.
“We graduate a big senior class, but only a few were primary point scorers,” she said. “We’ve got a strong core of underclassmen returning, and their talent, combined with their work ethic, makes me very excited for the future. This is a group that is motivated and willing to put in the work to keep improving.”
The Rams’ fourth-place finish at the State Open further cemented their standing as one of Connecticut’s elite programs, with contributions from 13 swims at the meet.
“To go from 12th at the State Open last year to fourth this year is an incredible leap,” Munson said. “It reflects the growth of this team and the dedication of each athlete.”
New Canaan’s 2024 season showcased not only individual excellence but also the power of teamwork and determination. With a strong foundation and promising talent returning next year, the Rams are poised to continue their legacy of success.
