Lillian Miller was destined to be a swimmer from such a young age. Still, in such a sport predicated on solo success, she saw the bigger picture through the water and rode the waves of companionship to success as both a competitor and captain.

Lillian's journey in the lanes began all the way back in kindergarten, when she was signed up for swimming lessons, and then she progressed to competitive swimming around the age of nine. From there, she made her way through to the Hand girls’ swimming and diving team and went out as a senior captain this year by leading the Tigers to a second-place showing at the Class S State Championships. She was also part of the 400-meter freestyle relay squad that finished third in a time of three minutes and 45.09 seconds.

“I like that it is an independent sport, but you can do your own thing. I like how the team rallies behind you and supports you. I also like how it comes down to me and what I can do,” says Lillian. “When I first joined the team, I was not as interested in competitive swimming. Then COVID happened, and without swimming, I realized how important it was to me. From there, I just wanted to work hard and show up every day.”

Even through all her successes, Lillian knows that not every day will be a win. Yet she utilizes that knowledge as a mental victory by never letting any detrimental thought hold her back from coming back that much better the next day.

“Swimming is such a huge mental sport, so you have to be in a good mindset. I have accepted that every race will not be your best,” says Lillian. “But I also know that I cannot let that fact hold me back. I do not get bogged down in negativity and just keep going.”

Lillian fancies herself as someone who can oscillate between different paces of races when it comes to the pool. She explains that when it comes to the shorter heats, she enjoys the tactical approach to it all when it comes to delegating her stamina.

“I consider myself a mid-distance and long-distance swimmer, and so I really like the 200 and 500 freestyles,” says Lillian. “The middle distance events are fun because they are still pretty fast-paced. It is not an all-out sprint, and so there is some strategy and planning there, which I like.”

She knows that in order to have success, Lillian must accept the fact that you have to step into new avenues and know that one must trek past any trepidation. It is only then that an individual can grow and progress to the next level of their craft.

“I have gotten better at being okay with the idea that you have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable when it comes to trying new things,” Lillian says. “It is about not being afraid of anything and always being willing to grow and know there is room to grow and improve.”

While stepping into a stewardship role as a senior, Lillian could not think of a better way to give back to a family and program that has yielded so much to her the past four years. She will never forget the experience or the girls at her side.

“I could not be more proud or happy to be a captain for this team,” says Lillian. “We were so close during the year and we were all like sisters. It is special to watch all the girls grow, and I am so glad I was there for all of them. It was an amazing experience, and I always knew they were there to support me.”

Hand girls’ swimming and diving Head Coach Scott Butler and Lillian clicked immediately, as they saw each other as kindred spirits mixed with a passion for swimming. She not only showed her versatility in talent through various events, but also as a person, athlete, leader, and student through the ensuing years.

“Immediately, I was able to sense that this sport was Lillian’s passion. She swims year-round for Valley Shore Team at the Westbrook YMCA and has since she was young. She saw my passion for this sport and was drawn in right from the start,” says Butler. “She is a very versatile swimmer, so we weren't even sure if those were going to stay as 'her events,' as she is also a talented butterfly and backstroke swimmer. As a junior, she really excelled in the fly and back events, but we eventually settled on the 200 and 500 free as her strongest events. She became more than just a talented member of the team. She became a close friend, a cheerleader on the deck and at practice, and someone who others sought when they needed guidance. Her teammates voted her captain for her senior season, and she did not disappoint. On top of all this, she is one of the strongest academic students at Hand. Her studies are clearly her priority, but swimming quietly has risen up the ranks to fall just behind it. She is the type of teammate that you simply want to clone in every facet.”

Speaking further to the camaraderie among Lillian and her fellow Tigers, the admiration and affection do not stop when the final lap on the season has been completed. She knows that she could not have made it through this crucial juncture of adolescence without her peers and coaches.

“Hand swimming helped me get through the highs and lows of high school,” says Lillian. “The girls have been with me through it all. I know I can go to all the girls when I am having a tough time. In the offseason, whenever we see each other, it is something that is great and really special.”