ScarlettHenery

On July 17th, Marian’s own alumni Jojo Randby ’21 and Bella Pantano ’20, qualified for the 2024 Olympic swim trials. During the trials, Randby will be competing in the 100m breaststroke while Pantano is in the 100m and 200m backstroke events. Marian’s swim team is beyond proud and thrilled for the two as they progress in their swimming careers. This is an amazing accomplishment only some have the talent, commitment, and dedication for. The girls shared how the Marian swim team helped them grow as swimmers and reach this goal. 

Randby remembers in her time at Marian that the “Teachers and coaches were nothing but supportive of my academic and athletic endeavors.” The Marian community continues to support student athletes in their pursuits. Randby’s coaches planned goals for her each season and used scientific approaches to better her swim times for the meets. Randby was honored to swim for Marian and excited to represent both Marian and UNL at the Olympic trials.

Pantano stated that at Marian, she was never scared to fail because of the supportive women and coaches that surrounded her. Her team was also very competitive, allowing her ambition and commitment to grow in her years on the team. 

Both Randby and Pantano prove to be an inspiration to future athletes at Marian who are hoping to continue their athletic careers into college and beyond. Their former coach, BJ Christiansen, said that these girls left a strong impact on Marian’s swim program. He said that Pantano “emphasized having fun while doing what she enjoyed.” As for Randby, he remembers “she was a student of the sport as she loved new drills and understood the outside aspects of swimming that are needed to be great (sleep, nutrition, recovery).” 

These girls were extremely successful at Marian. They both set three school records and hold Nebraska state records in various events. Christiansen claims that “they are two of the best swimmers we have ever had.” 

In the trials, around 145 swimmers, with qualifying times are picked out of the nation. Eight of these girls will qualify for the final, but only two will earn spots on the U.S. Olympic team. The swim team and the Marian community will be cheering them on through this incredible event. Marian is extremely proud of these girls and will continue to support and uplift students in their athletic dreams.