Callahan Dunn ‘20 understood the competiveness of swimming from a young age, learning to swim at the mere age of 6 and joining Lyons Aquatics soon after she was immersed in the sport. She followed in her older sister’s, Mackenna Dunn ‘16, footsteps, who now swims at University of Rhode Island, and discovered a passion of her own for the sport.

“I like the competition and how every single race and practice counts,” Dunn said. “Also the team aspect because everyone is really close and has the same goal: to swim faster than they ever have before.”

This year’s state competition took place at Evanston Township High School from Nov. 18-19. Dunn placed fifth in the 200-medley relay (1:44.7) and ninth 200-IM (2:04.09). She also anchored the 200 and 400 free relays (1:36.52 and 3:30.11 respectively) both placing eighth. All of these events set school records and contributed to the teams 10^th place overall finish.

“We did really well this year,” Dunn said. “We set really high goals because we knew we had a strong team.”

Although the team fell short of their ideal fifth overall team finish, they still remain hopeful for next year.

“I think we will get better but we still are very happy with tenth place,” Dunn said. Dunn has brought a much-needed characteristic of confidence to the team that has been influential to their success this past season.

“[Dunn] has the type of attitude and work ethic where she is not nervous or scared to race anyone,” head varsity coach Kurt Johns said. “She is one of the top swimmers in the state as a freshman and that rubs off on everyone else on the team.” Dunn, the most-decorated LT swimmer at state, recognizes the hours she puts into her training.

“She represents the rare swimmer that is extremely talented and has an amazing work ethic,” Johns said.

Dealing with transition to high school while also balancing the demands of swim season was tough, Dunn said. The team has morning practices throughout the week at 5:30 a.m. in addition to the after school practices ending around 6 p.m.

“High school season was so much shorter than club, so it was a lot more work in a shorter period,” Dunn said.

For Dunn, the swim season never stops; she works towards improvement for the upcoming years, hoping to swim collegiately like her sister.

“After all of this year’s high school season I will want to take a little break but then will just go back to club,” Dunn said.