Mary Washington swim team dives back into Goolrick Pool after closure for renovation
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With the reopening of Goolrick Pool, many of the facilities in and around the pool have been rejuvenated to create a better swimming environment for UMW athletics and events. | Abbey Magnet, The Weekly Ringer
by HARSHA RAVURI
Staff Writer
After a nearly six-month-long pool closure, UMW’s men’s and women’s swim teams returned to their home lanes on Jan. 16.
“I was ecstatic to have the pool back,” said Jessica Hinson, a senior psychology major and athlete on the swim team. “I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to swim in Goolrick again before I graduated.”
With the pool closed last semester, the swim teams were required to travel 20 minutes every practice to the Jeff Rouse Swim Center.
“I’m glad that the pool is back and we get an extra hour or two more of sleep,” said Amanda Sheward, a senior communication and digital studies major and athlete on the swim team. “Last semester we would either go in vans or drive up to Jeff Rouse to swim almost every morning and the early wake up calls were hard.”
Sheward believes that there is a clear advantage to the team being able to swim at home.
“When we were at Rouse we had a lot more lanes to swim in and everyone was spread out,” she said. “Now that we are back we are definitely more connected and are excited for the last few weeks of the season getting ready for NJACS.”
With this renovation, Goolrick Pool has been transformed into a modernized and improved aquatic facility, continuing to serve its purpose for current and future generations of UMW students and the local community.
Some of the renovations in Goolrick include a new pool deck, upgraded systems in and around the pool, a brand-new color scheme and the installation of new lane lines.
The new color scheme includes UMW navy blue and grey which, along with the added Mary Washington branded flags and starting blocks, creates a warm welcome for the athletes to dive back into.
“This comprehensive renovation has improved the quality of the pool for swimmers and staff, allowing for a more efficient operation, including maintaining the water temperature and chemical balances,” said UMW Campus Recreation Director Michael Middleton. “We are excited to welcome swimmers back into the water.”
The six-lane Goolrick Pool is also the home to Campus Recreation activities, such as games of battleship, club swim practices, individual exercise classes and recreational swimming for the UMW community and guests.
While members of the swim team recognize the hard work and coordination their coaches and facilities staff put in, many say it’s good to be home.
“It feels great to be back,” said Hallie Perry, a senior sociology major and member of the swim team. “The coaches and Kyle Diederich have put so much work into getting us back and their work is very appreciated.”
