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New Canaan YMCA

Aquianas Artistic Swimming Team Names Viola Li & Sophia Shen to U.S. National 13-15 Team

Aquianas Artistic Swimming Team Names Viola Li & Sophia Shen to U.S. National 13-15 Team

The New Canaan YMCA Aquianas Artistic Swimming Team named Viola Li and Sophia Shen to the U.S. National 13-15 Artistic Swimming Team, following great success at the U.S. National 13-15 Championship this spring. Li and Shen are two out of 12 swimmers in the country to earn a placement on the team who will go on to represent the Aquianas and the United States at the 2022 FINA World Youth Championship taking place August 9-14 in Charlotte, NC.

Li and Shen have been part of the New Canaan YMCA Aquianas Artistic Swimming program for eight and six years respectively, with Li earning three appointments to the National Team in 2018, 2019, and 2022. “Earning a spot on the 13-15 National Team and being able to represent the U.S. at World Championships is a rewarding feeling. I’m grateful that the long hours of practice to achieve this accomplishment have finally paid off,” shared Li.

This year is Shen’s first appointment to the National Team but likely not her last, as she is likely to be a strong contender in earning team placement in the future. “For me, earning a spot on the National Team has been incredibly special because it means that my hard work, practice, and dedication have been recognized,” shared Shen.

Joining the National Team continues to be an exciting experience for these swimmers, who began team training in Las Vegas, NV on June 20. In looking forward to competing in the upcoming 2022 FINA World Youth Championship, Li shared, “I’m excited to work together with swimmers from other clubs and can’t wait to represent the Aquianas and the United States. I am also looking forward to making new friendships and memories throughout this experience.” Speaking on her first appointment to the National Team, Shen commented, “I am most excited about being able to train with talented swimmers from other clubs, challenge myself, and to be able to compete at a higher level.”

Jen Muzyk, Director of Artistic Swimming and Aquianas Head Coach, commented, “Earning these placements speaks to the athleticism, passion, and dedication of these swimmers. I am so proud of how far both Sophia and Viola have come, as they continue the tradition of representing both the Aquianas and the United States on the National Team year after year. I can’t wait to see them both compete this summer!”

Artistic Swimming, formerly known as Synchronized Swimming, is a rewarding athletic experience for girls and boys ages six and older. The sport combines swimming and dance, fostering teamwork, confidence, healthy lifestyles, and time management for those who participate. Founded in 1977, The New Canaan YMCA Aquianas Artistic Swimming program is nationally ranked with over 75 athletes who range from recreational participation to those who compete collegiately, nationally, and internationally. To date, 34 Aquianas have earned appointments to the U.S. National Team.

For additional information about the Aquianas Artistic Swimming program, contact Jen Muzyk, Director of Artistic Swimming and Head Coach, at [email protected].