Sagacious Swimming Sovereign: Emily Fridman

As captain, Fridman is a constant voice of motivation poolside. Varsity Swimming and Water Polo Coach Jason Nevis explained, “Emi is also vocal in her concerns or support of swimmers [and] advocating on behalf of them, much like a captain should do.” Teammate Jacob Richards  ’27 said, “Emi has always been a positive force on the team, uplifting teammates through difficult sets. In addition, she has been a profound figure of leadership, organizing both the girls and boys teams in times of disorder and providing excellent advice about swimming technique.” Richards added, “She has been a perfect liaison between the team and the coaches, advocating for the desires of swimmers and pushing for positive reform within our swim program.” Fridman explained that her job is not always easy. When stating the things she has learned she explains, “I have definitely learned patience. Swimming is an individual sport where dropping time (getting faster) is less common than adding time, and constant disappointment has taught me to rebound and stay determined.” Zara Nat ’27 added, “When we are at the end of a hard set Emi always pushes through with not only so much strength but the most positive and goofy attitude which brings up people around here too.”

Fridman strives to create an environment encircled in comfort, motivation, and consolation. Assistant Varsity Swimming and Water Polo Coach Sarah Madden elaborated on Fridman’s leadership: “She's a natural leader and a very intuitive presence on deck; she knows how to support and encourage her teammates, and she approaches any issue with great sensitivity.” Amanda Myott ’27 stated, “Emi creates a positive environment by being an incredibly supportive teammate and showing unwavering dedication to the team.”

Swimming has taught Fridman that strong leadership is imperative to help grow her team. She stressed, “To me it is the job of the captains to support and really create an uplifting environment on the team (especially given the mental challenges of the sport). My co-captains and I have also tried contributing to the sets during practice to cater to our team and try to make us the best we can be.” Neil Mehta ’27 said, “Even when the swim sets are tough, she's always in a good mood and is able to lift people's spirits. Even when dealing with injury, she shows up to practice to encourage the rest of the team.” Richards agreed, “She has always motivated the team, even during times of defeat, and has always kept a positive attitude that has made coming to practice a pleasurable experience.”

Her best accomplishment during her Hopkins swimming career was becoming a qualifier for New England’s during her freshman and sophomore year. She expressed her pride and gratitude towards such a grand achievement by stating, “I haven't been able to attend New England's in a couple years because of outside commitments, but in the years (freshman and sophomore year) I did attend I was a top 16 qualifier.” Calder Resch ’27 said, “Her dedication yields extremely impressive results in the pool—she posts numerous PBs every year and is well on her way to a couple of school records this season.”

Those a part of Hopkins Varsity Swimming acknowledge her dedication, drive, as well as her warmth and optimism as a team captain.Richards mentioned, “I think that she could apply her leadership acumen to any other sport, demonstrating how she epitomizes the ultimate captain.” He continued, “Emi has been an exemplary role model for me, and more importantly, a fantastic friend.” 

Fridman plans on participating in a club swimming team in college. She said, “I can not bring myself to cold quit a sport I have done my entire life; it is half of who I am.” Resch concluded that she is “doubtlessly on the Mount Rushmore of Hopkins aquatics.”