Teamwork is heavily encouraged and many athletes feel strongly about the bonds they have with their fellow teammates at Cabrini University. The members of the men’s and women’s swim team have an especially strong bond and believe that bond makes them a better team.
Cindy Ikeler, head coach of the men’s and women’s swim team, talked about her experience with the team.
“I am very passionate about what I do and I care tremendously about my team. I don’t think the only hat I wear should be a coach. I feel that if all that I am doing is coaching and trying to make my team better swimmers then I am not doing my job right. There is a level of trust and mentorship that I try to balance so that these young men and women can come to me with anything big or small.” Ikeler went on to say that she felt both the men’s and women’s swim teams are an extension of her family.
The swim team members recognize the constant concern and care they receive from their coaches. Alex Maiorana, a senior member of the team, said, “Cindy is one of the best coaches I have had in general. Coach Josh Paste may not be around a lot but he does a great job in pushing us and enforcing what Cindy tries to teach us. Coach Brei isn’t around a lot but she does a great job as well.”
Amanda Lynn, a junior member of the team. agreed and added,
“Coach Cindy, coach Josh, Coach Ryan and coach Brei are truly phenomenal, they always take time out of their days to talk to us and make sure we’re always on track for succeeding. It also doesn’t matter if you’re the fastest swimmer or the slowest swimmer out there because they are always cheering you on and try their best to make us the best we can be.” Lynn said that she owed a lot of credit to her coaches and said without them she probably wouldn’t continue swimming. Lynn said, “We might not have it all together but together we have it all.”
