New Canaan Aquianas Excel at National Synchronized Swimming Championships

The New Canaan Aquianas Synchronized Swimming Team recently excelled at the 2014 USA Synchro Age Group Nationals.

Of the 2 13-15 age group New Canaan teams, one earned fourth place overall in the team routine and the second earned 15th place overall in the team routine, in a field of 38 teams. The fourth ranking placed New Canaan as the top contender behind the two California clubs that dominated the podium: Santa Clara (which had 2 podium finishes), and Walnut Creek. The fourth-place routine was swum by New Canaan's Katherine Connolly, Alex Poteet, Emmanuella Tchakmajkian and Eileen Flynn (alternate); Darien's Katie Chidley, Camilla Kline, and Eliza Wetmore; Greenwich's Katie Farrell, and Westport's Lauren LaPorta.

Poteet and Kline placed sixth overall in the duet routine, with Chidley and Connolly close behind in ninth place —in a field of 44 duets. The trio of Farrell, LaPorta and Wetmore swam to a seventh-place finish in their routine.

The 12 and under team achieved tenth place in a field of 32 team routines. The team consisted of: Cecilia Coleman, Siri Forfang, and Kate Glatzhoffer (all from Stamford); Olivia Li and Iris Mousset (both from Westchester); Nina Robbe of Ridgefield, and Eva Spangler of New Canaan. Li, Robbe and Spangler earned an eighth-place finish out of 38 trios.

The second 13-15 routine that earned a slot in the top 15 was swum by: Claire Batchelor, Olivia Buckley, Audrey Millar, Rachel Panzano, Sophie Price, Katherine Reiter, Maddie Sturcke, Nicole Vanderlee, with alternates Katie Lydon and Larsen Kline. All team members are from New Canaan except for Reiter who hails from Stamford and Kline who hails from Darien.

Head Coach Jen Muzyk said: "The fact that all 3 of our teams were placed in the top 15 shows the depth of our club's bench. This was a great way to cap off a strong season."

Photo caption: Members of both 13-15 teams along with their coaches pose for a celebratory photo after a strong season finish at the largest Synchronized Swimming championship in the U.S.

The New Canaan YMCA Aquianas offer synchronized swimming to girls of all ages and ability levels. From recreational classes to international competition, the Aquianas have a program to suit your needs. Synchronized swimming requires a unique combination of strength, agility, endurance, flexibility and speed. The Aquianas practice anywhere from 12 to 18 hours a week from September to June, depending on the meet they are training for.

For more information about synchronized swimming at the New Canaan YMCA, contact Head Coach Jen Muzyk at: jmuzyk@newcanaanymca.org or call 203-966-4528, ext. 183.