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Community Corner

LOCAL ATHLETES PLACE IN THE TOP TEN AT U.S. NATIONAL SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

ANDOVER, MA – Members of the ANA Synchro synchronized swimming team finished in the top 10 of the Junior Team event at the 2014 U.S. National Championships held last week, from April 8 – 12, in Oro Valley, AZ.

Over 350 athletes participated in the championship meet, which included swimmers from age 13 up to the collegiate level.  To compete at this meet, athletes first had to qualify at one of the four regional zone championships held earlier this year.

The ANA Synchro team of Sachiko Hagiya, Nicole Carzo, and Gloria McNamara of Andover, MA; Maxie Zimmerman, Evan Costanzo, and Kate Quinn of North Andover, MA; and Lily Koenig of Boxford, MA placed 10th overall in the Junior Team event.

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Also competing for ANA Synchro were Grace Alwan and Sophia Ju, both of Andover, MA.  Alwan and Ju competed in the 13-15 Age Group Duet event and finished in 18th place at the U.S. 13-15 National Championships.“I am so proud of all our athletes” says Head Coach Leah Pinette.  “The best of our nation’s synchronized swimmers were at the Oro Valley meet.  Just qualifying for this elite meet is a strong accomplishment, and finishing in the top ten is fantastic!” 

This is Pinette’s first year coaching ANA Synchro, after having spent 9 years on the U.S. National Team and being captain of the 2011-2012 U.S. Olympic Selection Team.

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Next up for ANA Synchro is their annual show, held on April 26th and 27th at the Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill Street in Andover, MA.  The public is invited, and tickets are available at the Y or on-line @ http://www.anasynchro.org/.

ANA Synchro is the competitive synchronized swimming team of the Andover/North Andover YMCA.  Synchronized swimming combines music, dance and swimming into “the ultimate team sport”. Through the artistry and athletics of synchronized swimming and team competition, girls build lifelong friendships and skills while developing the confidence to dream big and pursue their goals.  The team is open to girls ages 6 to 19.

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For more information about ANA Synchro, contact Head Coach Leah Pinette at 978-685-3541, lpinette@mvymca.org.

Caption for attached picture:

ANA Synchro athletes compete at U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships in Oro Valley, AZ.  (l-r)  Sachiko Hagiya, Nicole Carzo, Maxie Zimmerman, Lily Koenig, Evan Costanzo, Head Coach Leah Pinette, Gloria McNamara, Grace Alwan, Kate Quinn, and Sophia Ju

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