Submitted photo: Fort Dodge senior swimmers (left to right) Maddie Pulis, Emma Winter, Raegan Wooldridge and Rachel Moody stand together on Thursday night at the Dodger pool.

The goal of the Fort Dodge senior swimmers in 2023 was to create an inclusive, supportive environment for every team member above all else.

Head coach Ashley Beaumont was able to reflect on both the simplicity and complexity of that collective sentiment on Thursday following her team’s triangular sweep of Carroll and Spencer in the FDSH pool.

“I think sometimes that’s easier said than done,” Beaumont admitted. “It shows a lot of maturity for them to see that in order to reach their (collective) potential, there needed to be good chemistry and a sense of camaraderie first and foremost.

“Everyone on a roster is important for different reasons. It’s not just about talent or skill set. And this group has done an amazing job of making sure all of the girls feel important and valued no matter what. They’re leaving a legacy of positivity, hard work and culture building.”

Beaumont also noted that all four senior athletes are from different area schools. Reagan Wooldridge and Rachel Moody attend Manson Northwest Webster. Maddie Pulis is a Webster City student. Emma Winter is from Humboldt.

“It doesn’t matter to them — they’re all on the same side here,” Beaumont said. “They truly care about each other, which has been so encouraging to see.”

The Dodgers (8-3 overall) defeated Carroll, 55-46, and Spencer, 57-44.

Wooldridge took gold in the 500 freestyle (5:54.16). Junior Julia Eastman captured the 100 butterfly in 1:02.51, while junior Hailey Vogel was first in the 100 freestyle (55.99).

Junior Addison Daniel was victorious in the 200 freestyle (2:14.32), and junior Delaney O’Connor prevailed in the diving portion of the competition.

“Julia and Hailey have been amazing,” Beaumont said. “Both had PRs (personal records) in their wins, which is really exciting given we haven’t even really started resting to (prepare for the postseason) yet.

“To see them at this point already is a very encouraging sign. It was great to see Raegan win in the 500, and Addison cut six seconds in her 500 time to finish second. She really stepped up.”

Beaumont also praised the continued growth of O’Connor as a diver.

“Delaney has made significant strides,” Beaumont said. “She’s really working hard and has been dedicated to getting better every time out. She watches videos and committed herself to her craft…it’s amazing to see her progress.”

Eastman, Wooldridge, Vogel and sophomore Gracie Harvey earned a victory in the 200 medley relay (1:57.03).

Moody was first in the junior varsity 100 breaststroke and second in the 50 freestyle. Karlee Pearson, Breeanna Kalvig, Ellie Schiek and Madison Sullivan combined to win the JV 200 freestyle relay.

Teagan Loots took runner-up honors in the JV 100 backstroke. The 200 medley relay JV quartet of Winter, Claire Thompson, Madalyn Sankey and Janelle Chada also grabbed silver.

Fort Dodge is now off until Oct. 19, when the Dodgers head to Ames for the Iowa Alliance Conference meet.