19/04/2026
A heartfelt speech from the 25/26 Club Captain, Ella Davy. Beautifully written and spoken. 👏💙💛
Good evening everyone,
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ella, and I’ve had the privilege of being Club Captain for the 2025–2026 season.
I just want to start by saying thank you for giving me this opportunity. It’s been such an honour to represent the club and I promise I’ve tried my best to take it seriously. As captain, I’ve really tried to be someone who supports and encourages everyone, whether that’s at training, at carnivals, or even just in the small moments in between.
It’s not just about representing the club, but also helping others grow, improve, and feel more confident in themselves, which is something I’ve really valued being a part of this season.
Looking back on this season, there’s a lot to be proud of. Not just the results, but the progress everyone has made. You can really see how much people have grown, in their swimming, but also in their confidence. Whether it was dropping time, learning something new, or just pushing through a training, it all adds up, and it definitely shows.
For me personally, one of the best parts has been watching people achieve things they didn’t think they could at the start of the season, and seeing how much more confident everyone has become.
A huge congratulations to everyone who competed in their first carnival this season. That’s a massive step, and it definitely takes a lot of courage to get up and race. I still remember how nerve-racking that feels, so you all did such a great job, and you should be really proud of yourselves.
I also want to say a big thank you to the parents. You do so much behind the scenes, from early mornings to long days at carnivals, and we honestly couldn’t do it without you. I think sometimes it probably goes unnoticed how much time and effort you give, so thank you for always being there and supporting us.
I’d also like to ask for a small round of applause for our committee. They put in so much time and effort behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, often without recognition. Without everything they do, there simply wouldn’t be a club, so we’re incredibly grateful for all their hard work and dedication.
And of course, thank you to our coaches. Your time, patience, and dedication really doesn’t go unnoticed. Even when we complain about sets or try to negotiate extra breaks, you still show up and put in the effort to help us improve. I know from experience that it’s not always easy to keep us motivated, so we really do appreciate everything you do, and we’re really lucky to have you.
One of the best parts about this club is the environment. Even though swimming can be seen as an individual sport, it never really feels like that here. There’s always support, encouragement, and a bit of fun along the way, which is what makes it so enjoyable to be a part of, and something I’ll definitely remember from my time as captain.
As we head into the next season, I hope everyone continues to challenge themselves, set new goals, and most importantly, enjoy the sport. Success isn’t just about medals or times, it’s about growth, resilience, and being part of something bigger than yourself, and that’s something I’ve really seen throughout this season.
Thank you again for trusting me to be your Club Captain. It’s been an experience I’ll always be grateful for, and something I’ll genuinely never forget.
Well done to everyone on a fantastic season, and I can’t wait to see what you all achieve next.
Thank you.