As the regular season neared its end, the Pioneer High School girls’ swim and dive team took time to honor its seniors with a special celebration against Saline. After the first part of the swimming events, seniors are honored before the diving part of the meet. Senior night marks a meaningful tradition, recognizing the contributions and dedication of the team’s oldest members.
Before the ceremony, the Pioneers dominated against the cross-town rivals. Both teams went into the meet undefeated. In the entire history of the red Southeastern Conference, only two teams have ever won it all, so this meet was extremely important. Saline also had come off a big win the previous week, beating Skyline 98-88, so they were ready to come at the Pioneers with everything they got.
During the first event, the 200 medley relay, the Pioneers swept Saline, taking the top two spots with their A and B relays. In the very next event, Pioneer junior Suryn Lee took first in the 200 freestyle with a season best time of 1 minute and 53.90 seconds, making her time the third best in the state. In a few short weeks, Lee will have the opportunity to test that mark again at the upcoming states championships.
The Pioneers won the next two events before pausing to honor the team’s six senior swimmers. Each senior walked with their family and had their picture taken as their biographies were read aloud, highlighting their time on the team and their future plans beyond high school.
Ashley Hockley, one of Pioneer’s seniors, has been on the team since her freshman year. Besides the bonding she feels during hard practices, she loves the events outside of the pool that bring her closer to her teammates.
“Menchies after the meets are my favorite,” Hockley said. “I also love going to Nick’s and eating pancakes before bake sales.”
Hockley, along with the five other seniors, has held significant leadership roles this past season. They mentor younger swimmers and show them what the team is built upon.
“Even not being captain, I take on leadership in the weight room,” Hockley says. “I set examples and make sure no one is goofing off too much.”
Similar to Hockley, Kate Van Ryn has taken on a large leadership role since being elected as one of three captains the previous season. Van Ryn has orchestrated communication between coaches and swimmers, planned bonding activities and organized bake sale groups.
“Being captain is a lot of work, but so worth it, and I feel super lucky to be a captain of this team especially,” Van Ryn said. “We have a great reputation, and being captain and being able to carry that on is special.”
After the senior ceremony, diving continued as normal and the Hornets looked strong. Saline’s senior Ava Crossley came in first for diving with a final score of 219.70 points, followed by freshman Emma Lillie with 187.35 points. By the end of the meet, which concluded with the 400 freestyle relay, the Pioneers ended up beating Saline 140-46.
As the season nears its end, the impact of the Pioneer seniors—both in and out of the pool—continues to shape the team’s identity. Their leadership has helped foster a culture of accountability, connection and high expectations, which now fuels the Pioneers as they prepare for their final competitions.
The Pioneers have just under three weeks to prepare for their Conference meet on Nov. 7 and 8. Following that, they’ll wrap up their season at the state championships, held at Oakland University on Nov. 21 and 22. With hopes of extending their nearly six-year winning streak, they’re aiming to bring home another state title.
