Lynnfield’s Sievers, Mucci head to synchronized swim nationals

BEVERLY – The YMCA of the North Shore?s Selkies Synchronized Swimming Team is sending nine local athletes to the eSynchro Age Group National Championships in Seattle, Washington, July 1-5. Lynnfield residents Rebecca Sievers and Laura Mucci are among the athletes representing the YMCA of the North Shore and its team of swimmers.Other team members include Melissa Freed of Topsfield, Sofia Puchniak of Manchester, Annalise Errico of Beverly, Meghan Huston of Topsfield, Victoria Carlson and Madeline Hines of Wenham and Hope Weaver of Rockport. Hines and Huston are also swimming a duet at Nationals.Head coach Carrie Reynolds said, “Qualifying for Nationals is the crowning achievement for these athletes as they wrap up an incredibly successful season. The girls set the bar very high this year and put in the hard work and training to reach their goals.” Reynolds added, “When I see how dedicated these athletes are, it makes me so proud to be their coach. With the continued support of our YMCA, our team of dedicated parents and swimmers, there is no telling how high they will climb.”Synchronized swimming, or “synchro,” is a hybrid of swimming, dance and gymnastics. Synchro swimmers train to embody the grace of a dancer, the flexibility of a gymnast, the endurance of a speed swimmer and the strength of an elite athlete. The YMCA?s competitive team includes 30 swimmers ages 6-18. The Selkies Synchronized Swim Team engages swimmers in the physical and creative environment of this performance sport and encourages them to develop strong self-esteem and confidence. Swimmers advance through three levels: Novice, Intermediate and Age Group (Junior/Senior).