Over the past few seasons, the Branford girls’ swimming and diving team has honed in on bringing not only eyeballs to the Hornets, but additionally showing that the winning culture is alive and prevalent as it laps its way to the future. This fall campaign made that further evident, and abundantly clear.

Branford finished 15th with 772 points at the SCC Championship on Nov. 1 at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Then, at the Class M State Championships on Nov. 14 at that same SCSU venue, Branford was 17th out of 18 schools with 95 points.

Head Coach Sally Noel declared that in the preamble to the campaign, the main motif was support–maintaining a supportive unit within the confines of the club, while reaching out to the town to bolster, nurture, and encourage interest in the sport to grow a bigger familial feel.

“Our goals were to stay focused, work hard, and support one another,” said Noel. “Swimming is unique, because it's so individual, but you are definitely part of the team and your attitude is infectious. We worked on team culture leading up to the season by facilitating a number of youth swimming clinics and clubs, which was wonderfully received by the community, and it teaches the girls how to be a mentor and take pride in the sport.”

The Hornets deployed a triumvirate of terrific captains this fall with Isabelle Armellino, swimming in the 100-yard butterfly and 100 breaststroke, plus 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke specialist Malak Elweheshy, along with mid-distance freestyle and breaststroke swimmer Ridhima Shrestha.

“Isabella Armellino offers her dedication to the sport, her experience as a long time seasoned swimmer, and her ability to keep her team focused is appreciated throughout the team,” said Noel. “Malak Elweheshy offers her enthusiasm for team camaraderie and positive attitude on a daily basis. She knows how to get team members involved, and appreciates the long view of Branford swimming as a whole. Ridhima Shrestha leads by example; her hard work and perseverance is noticed team wide. She has come far in her swimming career, capping it off with a wonderful season.”

The Hornets’ other standout swimmers included veteran juniors Erin Newlan (200 and 500 freestyle) and Kylie Acquarulo-Savastano (200 freestyle and 100 backstroke), both making states this year in their events.

Within the underclass, sophomore Summer Sabatino “continued to drop her times in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke,” per Noel, and also made states in both those events, as did classmate Abby Talalas, who made states in the 100 butterfly. Another swimmer stood out as a freshman phenom, according to Noel.

“Freshman Audrina Pham stood out for us this year with extraordinary swims across several events and making it to Class M States finals in both the 200 IM and 100 Fly,” said Noel. “She is one to look for in the coming years.”

At states, Pham finished 15th for the 200 IM in a time of 2:27.84, and ninth with regard to the 100 butterfly (1:04.52). Junior diver Emerson Shuff finished 11th with a score of 278.40, and the 200 freestyle relay team in Acquarulo-Savastano, Newlan, Sabatino, and Pham was 17th (1:55.71). The diving portion of the championships for Shuff was contested on Nov. 9 at Middletown.

Now that the dust has settled on the season and the waves made in the water have subsided for the final time in 2023, Branford can look back on its efforts with a great sense of pride and accomplishment by taking major steps to restore pre-pandemic participation in the program, and doing it with only their best efforts and unbridled passion for the pool.

“Our season was phenomenal in terms of dropping times and consistent effort in practices,” said Noel. “We are in the process of building our team back after our numbers took a big hit during COVID and lack of swimming opportunities in our town. These girls know that, and brought their heart into this season, inspiring others to join and being inspired throughout the season.”

The 2023 Branford roster is comprised of seniors Armellino, Elweheshy, Carmella Lippolis, Grace Ricciardelli, Claudia Romano, Shrestha, Lasang Subba; juniors Acquarulo-Savastano, Avery Maymon, Newlan, Shuff; sophomores in Sabatino, Talalas, Bidhee Thapa; plus freshmen Ellie Brown, Izabella Johnstone, Pham, and Gabriela Silva.

Noel concluded her second season as head coach for the Hornets and was assisted by Ashley Jones. She previously swam for the program from 1988 until 1992.

For the regular season and dual-meet portion of the 2023 campaign this fall, Branford competed in Division II of the SCC alongside Sheehan, Foran, Hamden, East Haven-Cross-Hillhouse-Sacred Heart Academy, Mercy, Shelton, and West Haven.