![GSB Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1670429811/gsbschoolorg/szwoemlfakjwuitql7ce/news-2022-12-06-swimming-01.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1670429811/gsbschoolorg/szwoemlfakjwuitql7ce/news-2022-12-06-swimming-01.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1670429811/gsbschoolorg/szwoemlfakjwuitql7ce/news-2022-12-06-swimming-01.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1670429811/gsbschoolorg/szwoemlfakjwuitql7ce/news-2022-12-06-swimming-01.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1670429811/gsbschoolorg/szwoemlfakjwuitql7ce/news-2022-12-06-swimming-01.jpg","width":1440}])
The GSB Swim team is a tight-knit group of athletes ready to make their mark in a competitive and ever-changing environment.
This year, the team is shifting to coed competition, embracing the trend seen in high school swimming across the state, including with longtime rivals Franklin High School and Rutgers Prep.
“We have a very small group this season, and similar to other schools in the area, we made the decision to compete as a coed team for the 2022-2023 season,” explained returning Head Coach Mike Schaefer, who is entering his third year with GSB.
“I'm very excited to see how our kids adapt to the change and rise to the occasion of competing together for the first time in a long time. It should make for some exciting swimming this winter!”
Excitement will certainly be high at the season’s opening meets as team captains Akshay Patel ’23, Margaux Scott ’24, and Lily Walker ’24 strive to repeat—and improve upon—previous successes. Akshay set a GSB best time last year at the 2022 NJ Non-Public State Championship, and Margaux qualified to compete at the heralded 2022 Meet of Champions in the 200-meter Medley Relay, 200-meter Freestyle Relay, and the 100-meter Individual Breaststroke, for which she broke a third school record.
“Akshay and Margaux are not only our most seasoned veterans on the team, but they are driven and focused on the success of the team as much as on their own personal times,” said Coach Schaefer. “They both have qualities that, as a coach, you love to have as part of your team. I look forward to seeing how their style of leadership helps drive our season.”
The team captains will be joined by returning sophomore standouts Nathan Jiang, who not only qualified for the 2022 county and conference meets but set a GSB school record in the 200-meter Individual Medley, and Deshan Kawatra.
“The team’s aspirations this year are to drop as much time as possible and meet our goals. If we do so on a daily basis, we will be able to surprise a few teams and have a very successful season, just like we've had in the last few seasons,” Coach Schaefer said.
Rounding out the roster are newcomers Emily Titsworth ’25 and Gurnoor Pakka ’26. Each is ready to dive in and to propel the team to championship status.
The Knights open their season on Thursday, December 8, 2022, against fellow co-ed team Rutgers Prep at the Somerville YMCA.