PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — When Calvert Aquatics Club began its summer season, the team faced a challenge it could not control.
The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center in Prince Frederick closed for significant renovations, forcing the program to leave its usual training facility and practice at different pools throughout Calvert County and the state.
Rather than allowing the disruption to derail the season, Calvert Aquatics Club used the adversity as motivation.
The team finished the year with outstanding results, including every athlete recording a personal-best time at both the Junior Championships and the state meet. The season also featured two individual state champions.
“It’s been a lot of adversity when it comes to the environment that we have been training in,” Calvert Aquatics Club head coach Ed Cullen told The BayNet. “I’ve been really proud and really happy with the kids’ resolve and hard work as they’ve progressed throughout the course of the summer through that adversity.”
The pool closure became the biggest obstacle the program faced during the season. On April 1, the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center closed because of significant renovations, forcing swimmers, coaches and families to adjust quickly.
Cullen said the changes created challenges beyond the pool, with families having to balance new transportation requirements and changing schedules throughout the summer.
However, the team’s response became one of the defining parts of the season.
“Just showing up and having the best attitude they possibly could in the situation they were having,” Cullen said, describing how the swimmers responded to the challenges.
Despite the uncertainty, Calvert Aquatics Club continued to improve and perform at the highest level.
At the end-of-season meets, every swimmer recorded a best time, something Cullen said was a major accomplishment considering the circumstances surrounding the season.
“Everybody was able to find success and swim fast and have a best time,” Cullen said. “I think that’s really important considering our pool closure.”
The team’s success was highlighted at the state meet, where two Calvert swimmers captured individual championships.
Helena Barber won a state title in the 10-and-under 50-meter backstroke, while James Thielker earned a championship in the 13-14 100-meter butterfly.
Cullen said those victories were especially meaningful because they represented the growth and perseverance of the athletes.
“Those two state championships were not on our radar going into the meet,” Cullen said. “I’m really happy that they’ve been able to succeed, not just personally, but in the relativeness of the whole state.”
While individual accomplishments stood out, Cullen said the team’s culture was one of the biggest reasons for its success.
Calvert Aquatics Club emphasizes leadership throughout the program, including “Buddy Days,” where older swimmers work with younger athletes on fundamentals and skills.
According to Cullen, the mentorship between swimmers helps strengthen the connection within the team.
“When you go to a swim meet and you see the older kids cheering on the little kids, that brings a lot of team camaraderie and community to our program,” Cullen said.
The team also continued focusing on technical improvements throughout the season, including developing the butterfly stroke. Cullen said the program spent additional time improving butterfly technique and endurance, helping swimmers become stronger in multiple events.
Beyond swimming ability, Cullen said the biggest lesson from the season was learning how to overcome difficult circumstances.
“I hope they take away that the environment in which they swim in is secondary to the level of effort and intentionality they put into every day,” Cullen said. “Just because it’s different or uncomfortable doesn’t mean that you can’t find success.”
Looking toward the future, Calvert Aquatics Club enters the offseason with optimism as the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center is expected to reopen Nov. 1.
Cullen said the team will use the offseason for planning and preparation while athletes focus on rest and recovery after a demanding summer.
The coach credited the swimmers, families and coaching staff for their commitment throughout a challenging season.
“I’m proud of the athletes for doing the work and being excited for the work and showing up to their end-of-season meets ready to perform,” Cullen said. “I want to thank the families for their patience and their ability to react to any changes of schedule we’ve had.”
After a season filled with uncertainty, Calvert Aquatics Club showed that resilience, teamwork and determination can lead to championship success.
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