Maeve Collins ‘26 has been swimming competitively since she was 5 years old. Her swimming career began with a summer swim league at the Western Springs Pool. Now, Collins swims for Rise Aquatics as well as the LT Girls Swim and Dive team. Collin’s friendships and family have played a huge role in her commitment to the sport.   

“My family is always there and when I’m injured or I need something, [my friends and family are]  always there to help and give me the resources that I need,” Collins said. “I also love my [swim] friends. Whenever something is mentally tough, I’ll talk to them, and they just help get my mindset right and remind me to always have fun with the sport.”

Maeve’s longtime friend Claire Collins ‘27 has been swimming with Maeve since she was 7 years old on their club team. 

“Maeve’s a really good example for the people around her,” C. Collins said. “She’s a really hard worker. She makes me want to do better. She’s also really funny and fun to be around, so she makes the environment better.”

Swimming has been a major factor in shaping her into the person she is, Maeve said. 

“It really helps with my work ethic,” Maeve said. “I don’t really give up on things; [I’m] pretty persistent with everything, and I think that it definitely carries into other parts of my life.”

LT Girls Swim and Dive assistant coach Erin Rodriguez said Maeve has a very strong work ethic. 

“She is one of the hardest workers that we have,” Rodriguez said. “I think she is confident and leads in a way that I don’t think she realizes, just by her competitive nature, work ethic, and likability, girls want to follow her.” 

Head LT Girls Swim and Dive coach Brendan Weibel said that Maeve’s determination carries her far. 

“She is relentlessly competitive,” Weibel said. “She has a great balance of talent and work ethic, and determination, and those all together usually make a fast swimmer.”

Maeve’s favorite events are the 100 and 50-yard butterfly. Last year, Maeve placed fifth at State in the 100-yard butterfly, fourth in the 400-yard freestyle relay, and third in the 200-yard medley relay. Maeve also holds the school record in the 100-yard butterfly. She is currently ranked third in the state in the 100-yard butterfly.  

Coming in as a new coach, Weibel made some major changes, including splitting the team into three practice groups, Maeve said. Being one of four swim team captains, Maeve strives to be a good leader.

“My goals are to lead the team and keep traditions alive, especially with the coaching change,” Maeve said. “For the team, some of my goals are keeping everyone connected now that we’re separated [and] keeping the vibes high and being encouraging for the younger kids.”

As an underclassman, Livia Joern ‘28 looks up to Maeve.  

“[Maeve] is a good leader because she includes everybody, and she always makes sure to cheer other people on, especially in practice, and keeps everyone motivated to keep trying hard,” Joern said. 

Maeve will be continuing her academic and athletic career at the University of California, Santa-Barbara. 

“I fell in love with the team when I went out there for my visit,” Maeve said. “I’d say it was kind of a long-time dream to visit there and maybe even eventually go there. I felt really at home and like I really belonged there. I just think it is a place that will make me really happy, and I like a lot of aspects of it.”