Picture yourself running a 400-meter dash while holding your breath and staying in perfect rhythm with your fellow sprinters. Now imagine doing all of this underwater. That’s how it feels to be a Minnesota Synchronette. The Minnesota Synchronettes (MNS) are a nonprofit U.S. Synchronized Swimming club that practices in the west metro. Composed of girls between the ages of 6 and 19, the club competes in numerous regional, zone and national competitions throughout the year.
Lexi Wagner joined MNS during the summer between first and second grade. The sport was perfect for her because it combined her interests in dancing, swimming and gymnastics. Six years later, she still loves getting in the pool. “We have a lot of fun at practice,” she says.
Practice might be fun, but it’s not always easy. “Swimmers practice in and out of the pool, working on endurance, strength and form,” says Lexi’s mother, Lisa. “There’s also a lot of core work. A swimmer needs core strength to support herself in the water.”
For those interested in trying the sport, MNS offers summer clinics for all skill levels. Team try-outs take place in September, and there is also a fall trial period for swimmers age 11 and under. “It’s really a great sport and a unique team opportunity,” says Lisa.
For more info visit the Minnesota Synchronettes website or call 952.474.2205.
