Spooner is on her last lap at WS.

Karen Spooner, who has been the head coach of the WS swim team for the past seven years, announced her retirement at the end of the season banquet.

“It’s weird to hear the word retirement,” said Spooner, who has been actively involved in the WS swim program.

Though Spooner has enjoyed her coaching position, she decided to end her time coaching in order to be able to spend more time with her family. Spooner’s daughter swims for her college team and competes on their NCAA water polo team. Unfortunately, the schedules for college and high school are too similar, causing Spooner to choose which meets she attended.

“She was competing at her championships the same weekend as our states and during the meet she broke five school records and I missed it,” said Spooner. “I don’t want to miss her next two years competing.”

As a coach for the past seven years, Spooner has had a large influence on the WS swim team, as her techniques and patterns of coaching have shaped the team for so long. Her coaching techniques will be missed, as well as her ability to unify the large team and lead them to their many victories.

“Her enthusiasm gave encouragement for people to swim, she made people want to swim,” said senior Kate Sieracki.

Many swimmers were shocked to hear the news of her retirement, and though happy for her, were concerned about their future team.

“ I was shocked, and a little mad,” said junior Hannah Hagy. “I swam with her for the past three years and now I will have to get a new coach my senior year.”

Other veteran swimmers also share the concern for next year’s swim team, as it will mean adapting to a new style of practices and developing new relationships with their coach.

“I think it will be weird swimming for a new coach, but I don’t think much will change,” said junior Michael Speer. “Even though the practice style will be different, it will be the same general way as we are largely independent.”

As for Spooner’s future plans, she hopes to continue to work with swimmers but on a less rigorous schedule. 

“I’m actually talking to some colleges about assisting them with training their athletes, but on a volunteer basis so that I can go watch my daughter compete,” said Spooner.

Though Spooner will be retiring from the WS swim team, her work and spirit can be expected to continue through her athletes. Also, Spooner plans to keep track of the season to see how her team competes.

 “I will be at districts next year and they had better bring home the district title,” said Spooner. “I will follow their training through the year and beyond to college, I wish them great success.”