After six years of participating in Park swimming, senior Luke Anderson said he is eager to continue his swimming career and create long-lasting connections with his new team at the University of St. Thomas.

“It almost feels like I have to continue swimming because I’ve been doing it for so long, and I just love all the people I’ve met through it. All of the friends that I have now are because of swimming,” Anderson said. “I also have a few friends that will be on that team already, and so that will be a lot of fun.”

According to junior Will Mathews, Anderson’s contagious positivity and indulging humor have contributed to the Park team’s success in the past.

“I think Luke’s humor and his attitude always made a happy, positive climate on the team and that was super big, practice and motivation wise,” Mathews said.

Coach Amanda Forsberg said Anderson’s leadership was appreciated by all of the coaching staff throughout the swim season.

“He was captain this year (and) he had great leadership skills,” Forsberg said. “What I asked from him, he was always willing to do and never really complained. (He) just had (a) great positive energy around the team as well.”

Anderson said he chose St. Thomas over another local college he was looking at because of the more welcoming atmosphere on the St. Thomas swim team.

“I was between (Gustavus Adolphus College) and St. Thomas. I knew I wanted a small school, and I picked St. Thomas over Gustavus because I did (an) overnight (with) the swim team, and I liked their team a lot more,” Anderson said.

Mathews said Anderson not only brought skill to the Park team, but brought a tremendous amount of dedication as well.

“Luke has always been fast, but the amount of effort he put into swimming this year has made a huge difference, and you can see it. He has worked so hard to get to where he is,” Mathews said.

Forsberg said one of Anderson’s best qualities was his ability to keep the team and the coaches collected in stressful situations.

“His demeanor and his calmness not only helps calm some of the team, but sometimes when myself or the other coach kind of get fired up, it’s nice to know that he’s there (with a) calming presence,” Forsberg said.

According to Anderson, the Park swim team has given him skills to succeed in college.

“I’d say a lot of hard work throughout all six years on the team has helped me prepare (for my future), but I’d say a lot of it was from this year as captain because I got to do a lot more leadership type stuff, and I think that will help me a lot,” Anderson said.

Mathews said he hopes Anderson leaves high school knowing he made a difference in all of the lives of the Park swimmers.

“I hope he takes away how much of a leader he is and how big of an impact he has had on the lives of me and all the rest of the swimmers,” Mathews said. “I know I can speak for the team when I say he’s made a huge impact on all of us.”