If diversity is supposed to cause conflict, don’t tell that to the swim team. Diversity is the one thing unites them.

The team consists of different levels of experience among the swimmers, different cultures, and even swimmers that come from different schools. Orkun Alkan, for example, is not only from a different school, but from a different country; Turkey. Then there’s Annamiguel Rodriguez, who is referred to by her teammates as the “beast.” She is a senior at Stockton Early College Academy and has been swimming since a very young age. And finally the swimmer that attends Stagg, freshman Aja Reyes. She has been swimming year round since a young age as well.

Alkan, a junior from Pacific Law Academy, was a water polo player for two years on a community team in Istanbul. When he came to Stockton, he wanted to continue playing, but since there isn’t a water polo team, he decided to swim.

“I really wanted to be a part of a team,” he said. “It’s nice to know that I am a part of something and that I can dedicate my time and effort,” he said. And sure enough, his teammates appreciate his dedication.

Fellow swimmer, senior Ramon Alvarez, said, “He really dedicates to the spirit of the team. His swimming is powerful and he is high spirited.”

Alkan enjoys having different cultures on the team, “It brings new perspectives and makes us keep an open mind. Others may have talents I don’t, and vice versa.”

Rodriguez, one of the strongest swimmers on the team, feels that even though she doesn’t see her teammates very often, besides when they have meets, they are still really nice and close to her. She learned something new too, that her teammates are inspired by her. Knowing this she said, “Wow that is really going to help me keep going, knowing that I have teammates counting on me.”

Alvarez also had thoughts to share, “She’s a beast, and that’s all that needs to be said.”

Reyes, the youngest of the three, feels that they have a strong team this year, “As long as we practice hard, I think we can succeed.” Her inspiration arose since her youth. When she was little she would always go to her cousin’s swim meets and just being in an environment pleased her made her want to be a part of it as well. And she continues to swim, ever since the fourth grade. Another big motivation she has is the desire to swim in the Olympics. “I really want to be on an Olympic swim team and swim with Michael Phelps.”
Mikayla Gambio, a sophomore on the team, said, “Aja really inspires me, she is a really strong swimmer and I want to be able to swim like her.”

The swimmers agreed that they loved the fact that their team was so diverse. A common thought among them was that they would all be able to be like a family once they got to know each other better. And from the looks of it, they’re headed in the right direction.