Apollo Swim Team Dives Into History

When it comes to making strides in the classroom, Apollo English Learner instructor, Alex Badger, knows how to make it happen. As a first-year Apollo swim coach, she is similarly shaping this year’s girls’ team with one goal in mind: to reflect the strengths and diversity of Apollo High School.

Determined to break through barriers to accessibility and success, Badger obtained a van license so she could drive athletes who could not provide their own transportation to practices and meets. She encouraged members of the team to recruit new girls to join the team, even if they were not strong swimmers, and encouraged the team’s idea of a “sister” mentor program where an older, more experienced swimmer is paired with a new, younger swimmer. And she hosted a free swim camp this summer where all the girls came together to learn and grow.

“Some girls did not even know how to put their faces in the water,” Badger admits. “One girl was blind. But we are looking to generate interest for all swimmers.”

The end result is perhaps the most inclusive, supportive and LOUDEST girls swim team in the state of Minnesota.

Team co-captain, Rachel Warner, laughs with pride.

“At a meet, we are always the loudest team. We will even cheer for other girls [from other teams] if no one is there cheering for them.”

Suhan Mohamed and Nimo are seniors at Apollo and former students of Badger’s. Knowing they loved swimming, Badger approached them early on about joining the team. Despite support from family and friends, however, the Muslim girls faced a potential barrier because of the swimwear.

Badger and Apollo Athletics Director Dave Langerud sprang into action to problem-solve how to make the sport accessible to them.

Badger researched swimwear options across the country to find acceptable suits for the girls. Mohamed’s swimwear is full-bodied and covers her wrist to ankle, her swim cap serving as her hijab. Nimo has a similar suit with a hijab hood that she pulls over her swim cap, as well as a small skirt.

Because the swimwear was not officially recognized by the Minnesota State High School League, (MSHSL) Langerud helped Badger submit a waiver to MSHSL. Once the waiver for their swimwear was granted, the girls were then able to compete.

Badger explains that the team not only embraced Mohamed and Nimo as teammates, but also went a step beyond in welcoming them.

“The captains wanted to make sure that Suhan and Nimo felt included, comfortable and a part of the team, so . . . [they] dug through websites to find suits to match Suhan and Nimo’s.”

“We wanted to incorporate a part of their suits [into ours],” reflects Warner, “so we have black suits with some blue.”

At the first meet, Mohamed and Nimo came just to observe. Now, they couldn’t be more excited to be on the team and in the water. Mohamed is working on freestyle for meets, but favors the breaststroke.

“Freestyle is my favorite,” says Nimo.

The girls were surprised to recently learn that they are the first Muslim girls in the state to become competitive high school swimmers.

Nimo explains her participation simply, “I got interested in swimming because it is a good activity and it is fun.”

Mohamed, however, has advice for other girls. “Have confidence in yourself. Be good to yourself.”

Meanwhile, there’s still a competitive season ahead.

Warner isn’t sure how many meets they will win this year, but she is proud of how supportive and hardworking the team is.

Outlining a five-year plan for growth, Badger agrees. “These girls have so much potential. They have drive, motivation and integrity. They make my job easy. I just get out of their way.”

Making strides as the first girls swim team in the state to include Muslim students is just a page for the history books. These girls are empowered to set high standards for future swim teams and support each other.

LOUDLY.

By Tami DeLand and Carissa Hopkins-Hoel