When senior synchro member Arianna Thomas found out the team chose her to be one of this season’s co-captains, she felt ecstatic and humbled to have such an opportunity.

“It’s super exciting for me,” Thomas said. “I’m really honored to be (a) captain. Going into it, I feel like it’s going to be a good team. Me and Julia (Nathan) make a good duo.”

After two meets, the synchro team has a 2-0 record.

Synchro coach Linda Gust said the team voted for the new captains, Thomas and senior Julia Nathan.

“I don’t choose. The team votes on the new captains,” Gust said. “It’s during the offseason when the team does a lot of activities, like their car wash, for example. During the offseason, members get to show off their leadership skills. Of course if they want to be captains, they have to submit both applications and bios.”

Sophomore Savannah Kjaer said captains are usually seniors who take up responsibilities.

“Usually our captains are seniors, and it’s extra work that the other seniors don’t have to do because you have to organize all the extra things like the pasta party or the team sleepover,” Kjaer said.

According to Thomas, the team is understaffed compared to last year, which might pose a bit of difficulty.

“This year is way smaller than any other year we’ve had,” Thomas said. “Now we have less than 30 girls and last year we’ve had between 35 and 40 girls. That makes it difficult for making teams. Also, we’re a little bit short-staffed with coaches. This year all we have is our two main coaches and three returning coaches.”

Thomas said despite the loss of members, she still believes the team will do well.

“So far coach has noticed we look really good and we’ve been getting stuff done so I think it’s going to be a good year,” Thomas said.

Kjaer said she thinks the new captains will make this year a good one.

“I think we’re going to have another good year this year,” Kjaer said.“I think (both coaches will) do really good. I think they both have a good team mentality and team spirit. They’ll do a good job of making everyone feel included.”