From the powerhouse program that shaped graduated state medalists Dailey Albino, Paige Pelican, and Sarah Hamilton: New Berlin West girls swim and dive team welcomed a new coach this year, James Jensen.

Jensen was a college swimmer and has been coaching swimming for six years.

“It is my first year coaching the girls swim team, but it is all very similar as far as what the goals are for a season. We coach to see improvement from all swimmers and that’s regardless of talent, or age.”

Jensen has coached a variety of swim teams over the years: the boys co-op swim team with Ike and West, the New Berlin Swim Club, and now the New Berlin West girls swim team as well.  

“I owe that opportunity to Mr. Napoli,” Jensen said.

Jensen never fails to realize the work ethic that his athletes have.

“At this point they have all been working extremely hard.  It’s unfair to expect season bests every meet for every swimmer as they all adapt differently to the workload.  But at this point we have had many season bests and personal best times, while the girls are working through the hardest part of the season.”

It is clear that Jensen wants to make the most out of this program. The girls usually have practice six out of seven days of the week and sometimes even twice a day.

Chloe Moran said, “At first you’re really tired but after a couple weeks you feel super energized and really just want to get in and train, the same thing happens for weight training as well. But this years intensity is a lot more than past years which did take more time to adjust to,” Four-year athlete and now senior captain Chloe Moran said.

Jensen is not afraid to give this program the push that it needs.

Senior captain Erin Label said, “Last season, my best time was a 1:10, so I’m trying to get closer to a minute this season because our coach is pushing us to do a lot better than last season”

The girl’s swim team is not afraid to work hard for what they want to achieve this season.  

“As far as team goals this year, I feel we will have had an exceptional year if we finish at Sectionals with 100% personal best times,” Jensen said, “this allows us a measuring stick for improvement in years to come.