With three undefeated seasons in a row under their belt, the Orchard Park Girls Varsity Swim and Dive team has become a team to watch. Leading this team is Coach Bret “Norv” Norvilitis, whose leadership, dedication, and strategy have shaped a team that not only dominates in the pool but thrives outside of it as well. Coach Norv cares a lot for this team, so I sat down with him to get his thoughts on how the team has been able to stay focused and get to this point.
Three undefeated seasons in a row is an amazing achievement – what kind of attitude does this team have? Could you describe it?
BN: I honestly don’t know what they think of it, because they just work really hard, and I don’t think they think about that. I think they are excited when it happens. But in the moment, I think they are just concerned about swimming well and going fast.
How did the team approach each of the last 3 seasons mentally and physically to maintain this winning streak?
BN: The team has always had a really good attitude and not just about the swimming but about each other and hard work. They support each other when things are good and when things are bad. When someone has a bad race, they support each other, and when someone has a good race, they celebrate it. I don’t really think it has been about winning or losing; it’s sort of been about each other and the team.
What strategies and training methods did you implement to contribute to the consistent wins?
BN: We kinda do the same thing every year. Obviously, I tweak it for who is there and the strengths of different people, but it’s nothing special. I stick to a training plan that I have used for years that seems to work for the majority of people.
How do you balance pushing your swimmers to get better but also maintaining motivation throughout the season?
BN: I think I try to have a fairly lighthearted approach to most things. I don’t think I’m super serious most of the time, only when it really matters, and I think that helps.
Does the team have any traditions that help build unity?
BN: Probably more than I know about, but one is our mascot Humphry, [who] people on the team like to dress up and take places. I know there are a lot of team dinners after meets and pre-season bonfires, and the Halloween party is always a big one. But there is a lot of stuff.
In your opinion, what role have the captains played in keeping the team focused and united as one?
BN: I think the captains are really important because they help impart the culture that they developed. They know how they felt as freshmen and underclassmen and help keep that feeling going. They are also given authority by the coaches to handle the problems that many teams have, but it’s important to pick them correctly so they are the kind of people who can handle those situations correctly.
How do you ensure that every swimmer, no matter skill level, feels valued and contributes to the team’s success?
BN: Years ago, my mentor said, “You have to talk to every swimmer every day, even if it’s not a lot,” so I try to do that. Even if it is just to say hi, talk about swimming, or whatever the focus needs to be, just to make sure they know I’m not just there for some people but I’m there for the whole team.”
What is one quality of your team that you think has made these undefeated seasons possible?
BN: Thoughtfulness, I think everybody looks out for each other, likes each other, and wants the best for each other.
Does your team do anything outside of the pool to keep in shape and keep improving?
BN: Some do club swimming, I know there’s some captain’s practices pre-season, and I know some play other sports, which keeps them going.
How do you help your swimmers stay confident and focused, especially during tough meets?
BN: During tough meets, I try to be enthusiastic and positive because they have already put in the work. So I just try to be a cheerleader for them so they don’t have to think about this or that while they are swimming, they just can go out and do what they have prepared for over the past 10 weeks.
Were there any moments or meets during the past three seasons that stood out to you that tested the team’s resilience?
BN: Hamburg this year, we won by 4 points. I don’t know if anyone was thinking about it, I mean, I was, but we swam pretty well, but not super well. I think people were unsure about what was going on, but they just kept doing their thing. It wasn’t about the times or points; it was about trying to beat the girl next to them, and we got through it. By 4 points.
What lessons from the past three years do you hope future swimmers will carry forward?
BN: Putting in the work is the reward in itself, not necessarily the time, the meet, or the metal. Just knowing that you can do things that are hard, just because you didn’t get a medal or a prize at the end, doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it.
What are your goals for the team next season?
BN: I just want people to have fun, swim fast, and do as well as they can. But those goals are always the same every year.
What advice would you give to younger swimmers who want to be a part of a winning team like yours?
BN: Don’t get discouraged if things go wrong, don’t give up because all the effort will be worth it at some point. Maybe just not right now when you want it to be. And have a little fun.
As the Girls Varsity Swim and Dive team moves into post-season meets, it is clear that their success is no accident. Coach Norv’s commitment, discipline, good attitude, and teamwork have set a high standard, not only in the pool but for building character and community for seasons to come. With many seasons ahead, the future of the Orchard Park Girls Varsity Swim and Dive team looks bright with the help of Coach Norv.
Photo taken by Giada Cappelli
Pictured with the mascot Humphrey and the ECIC Division 1 Team Champion Trophy
