Local Synchronized Swim Team Heads to Regional Championship

A dedicated team of local synchronized swimmers is competing in the Senior Southern Zone Competition in Washington, D.C. through Sunday. The team of six plus one alternate will compete in six routines. The top two teams, in each of this weekend's events, head to the Senior Nationals.

"(Senior Nationals is) the most prestigious meet in the U.S. You can qualify to try out for the Olympic Team at Senior Nationals," said Coach Susan Comerford.

Suncoast WaterWorks, a competitive synchronized swim team, practices at Largo's Southwest Pool. Water Works has several teams with swimmers ages 6-17. Karen Paulk founded the team in 1985.

Comerford, 34, has been a part of Suncoast WaterWorks almost from its inception. She swam for the club for 12 years and has coached for the team for 15 years.

"Synchronized swimming is a unique sport. I like the creativity and that it is a team sport. It requires dedication and time management," Comerford said.

The team had a final rehearsal of their program on March 4 for friends and family at Southwest Pool where they practice.

Team members shared how they have fun performing and working hard together. Challenges include not touching the bottom and holding their breath underwater, the team said.

"I love how close we all are. Swimming and practicing together, we have become really close. There's a chemistry when you do synchronized swimming, that makes it all come together," said Gabrielle Andolino of Largo.

The team practices together 12-15 hours each week. Plus on off days they work out on their own doing activities such as hot yoga, hot ballet and zumba.

The rest of the senior team includes: Ciana Miller of Lakeland, Sarah Cooke of Safety Harbor, Jules Smith of Seminole, Marissa Foreit of Palm Harbor, Shea Soulliere of Safety Harbor, and Kaelyn Madden of Clearwater.

Synchronized swimming started in the early 1900s. The sport requires a combination of body strength, agility, grace, split-second timing, musical interpretation, stamina and dramatic flair, according to the national Synchro Website.

The WaterWorks program offers novice, intermediate and advanced training. Participants must have a Largo recreation card to participate. For more information, call (727) 699-4115 or email synchro4fun@yahoo.com