Parker Hall:
By Curtis Beaubrun
Senior and swim team captain Parker Hall was inspired to join the swim team after eight years of club swimming. He wanted to be surrounded by students who also enjoy swimming.
Hall felt motivated to swim more by the commitment to swimming shown by members of the team.
“There were a lot of people that [attended] practice,” said Hall. “I felt really included because I know there are a lot of people similar to me [who are committed to swimming].”
After his sophomore year, Hall took a break from swimming, then returned during his senior year.
“I thought I wasn’t going to be able to get back into it because I lost muscle or something, but that [was not the case]. It was a little rough at the start, but I was able to get back into it,” said Hall.
Hall expects to continue swimming past high school.
“[Swimming is] a lifelong thing that you can do. You can always go away from it and pick it up, especially since it has little impact on your joints,” said Hall. “[I will definitely swim on my own time at a pool or open water.”
Ellie Mayhew:
enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and playing the piano. By Curtis Beaubrun
Senior and swim team captain Ellie Mayhew joined the swim team her freshman year, after participating in club swimming since third grade.
Mayhew picked up swimming right after moving to Portland.
“I had just moved to Portland in third grade, and I was looking for an activity that I could do and to meet new people and make new friends, so I joined Portland Aquatic Club. I met a lot of my best friends to this day and really opened myself up to a community,” said Mayhew.
This year, Mayhew took on the role of captain, hoping to have a positive impact on the team.
“This year, my main goal as a captain and as a senior is just to show up to everything with a positive mindset and make sure other people feel welcome and are getting the help they need,” said Mayhew.
Past high school, Mayhew will keep in mind the lessons she learned from swimming.
“The work ethic I’ve gotten from swimming is really important, and just knowing that community can be built anywhere, that’s really important,” said Mayhew.
