Recently, NDB has experienced many facility upgrades including renovations in the innovation lab, soda fountain, and the long-awaited installment of air conditioning. The school is also currently funding new STEM facilities to develop above the Moore. However, while the previous revamps are all important, the facility that needs to be prioritized is our lacking pool.
NDB’s swim team has faced significant challenges due to the state of our current pool. The lack of a competition-sized, high-quality facility leaves many team members feeling neglected and unappreciated.
Varsity member Kirsten Pfieffer stated, “A lot of aquatic sports at NDB are under-represented…and we basically have no facility which is a lot different than any other sport, like basketball, they have a really nice facility, and soccer too.”
Since the current pool does not meet competition standards, the team is forced to practice and hold meets at other schools’ facilities. This year, for example, the team may have to move practices to Woodside Priory. The commute is not only inconvenient but also eats into time needed for homework and other commitments.
As a student driver, Pfeiffer shared, “Having to drive another thirty minutes to swim for an hour and a half makes [swimming] really unappealing, and it’s a lot of waste of money and a waste of my time.”
Having a high-quality, regulatory pool would also boost the team’s morale and performance. Swim coach Wendy Connolly believes that a new pool would greatly enhance athletes’ dedication to the team, as well as their skills as swimmers.
“If we had a state of the art complex, we’d be able to have longer practices…do more practices…and we would have cool, new equipment that would be able to train us to be much more competitive,” Connolly explains. “So yeah it [NDB’s current pool] puts us at a severe disadvantage.” With a better facility, the team could train more effectively, compete more confidently, and overall improve as an athletics team.
Beyond supporting athletes, a new pool would significantly increase the overall caliber and image of NDB. For many prospective students and their families, facilities play a critical role in their decision to enroll. A high-quality pool reflects a commitment to excellence and provides a visual representation of the school’s dedication to athletics and student wellness.
A parent or prospective student might see a modern pool as a sign that the school values a holistic education, balancing academics, arts, and athletics. Additionally, a high-caliber aquatics facility would particularly attract skilled swimmers, dually strengthening the school’s swim team as well as enrollment interest.
“Students are not picking Notre Dame because of our pool. I mean, if you look at other schools like Sacred Heart or Menlo, they have beautiful pools, Connolly expressed. “If we had a regulation beautiful pool facility, we could increase those students that are looking to high schools for their swim program.”
Investing in a new pool would not only support NDB’s swim team but also elevate the school’s reputation among current and future students. With so many other facilities receiving updates, it’s time to prioritize the one that could make a tangible difference in the lives of student-athletes and the broader school community!
