PUBLISHED ON October 13, 2025

By: Brianna Borne '27

Splish Splash, Chapelle’s swim team makes a bond that will last. Chapelle’s swim team has been around for many years and continues to grow, allowing the girls to show off their skills. Swimmers can try out as early as eighth grade. There is a  JV and varsity swim team. Swim practices occur after school at Pontchartrain Racquet Club center from 3:30 to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, during the swim season. Swimmers are given Friday off because Chapelle believes in allowing students to have possibilities to maintain their social life as well. Swim meets occur after school once weekly, usually on Tuesdays, at Southern University of New Orleans. The season begins on the first day of the school year and goes until the weekend before Thanksgiving Break, when the water chips leave for the state meet in Sulfur, Louisiana. The environment, although filled with chlorine, is full of cheer and happiness.


The girls are expected to work hard to improve their times and get to see their work pay off during their swim meets. All swimmers get to swim their events to make the Louisiana State Swim qualifying times. The typical procedure of a swim meet consists of taking a Chapelle Bus to the meet, warming up in the pool, swimming your events or relays, and cheering on all your fellow teammates. The bus rides can sometimes be filled with anxiety and stress due to the desire to improve. Still, the sisterhood, as you kick through your race in the lanes easily, overcomes all the fears. “The most stressful part of swim meets definitely has to be trying to beat your own time because when you're in the water, it is basically you against yourself,” explains sophomore Ella Matherne.  “However, having all my friends to cheer me up and help me finish my race helps to block out some of that noise.” The water chips can always stand at the pool's far end, cheering on every swimmer through their race to support them while they glide through the water. Along with the team support, we have coaches who support us and encourage us to be the best version of ourselves. Our coach is always helpful and challenges us so we can see the improvement we all desire, but reminds us it's okay not always to win. 

Furthermore, Chapelle takes pride in their teams' bonds, especially the swim team. Chapelle's swim team has many events where they can bond more deeply with each other and make their team a sisterhood. When Coach Campbell was asked about the team bond, she said, “I think the team is close. Y'all are a group of very nice girls who get along and have fun together.” For example, Fun Thursdays! We have a nice workout at practice, but we do fun relays and team activities for the last thirty to forty-five minutes to help grow our relationship. “ You are working hard, but having fun at the same time,” explains Coach Campbell when describing why she enjoys incorporating Fun Thursdays into practice. This shifts the dynamic by rewarding the swimmers to ensure they know their coach sees their hard work and wants to applaud them. After practice every other week, the swimmers will get a ‘sweet treat’ together. This can be any place where they decide to give them time to hang out and celebrate their hard work and their teammates' success. It goes beyond just seeing each other in the lanes at practice and allows a deeper bond to form. Another tradition the swim team holds dear to heart is “Swim Buddies” and team sleepovers. “My favorite swim tradition is all of the team bonding sleepovers and hangouts we do throughout the season,” says Sophomore Zoe Zabala.  Swim team captain, Lilly McNeil, adds, “ My favorite team bonding tradition is state buddies, which is when we kind of do Secret Santa, but in November, when we go to state. It is so much fun and so exciting seeing what everybody has, and if everybody's guesses are wrong.” Swim buddies is where every person picks a name out of a hat and buys them a well-thought-out, fun gift. Then, at a team sleepover, we all exchange gifts and hang out. This allows people to see they are being recognized for who they are, thus furthering the bond. 



In conclusion, the Water chips work hard and bond as a team to push each other to their full potential. Under the stress of the making times, Chapelle girls make sure to make each other feel loved, heard, seen, and motivated. All in all, team bonding is essential to make the foundation of the team more beneficial to each swimmer.



View more

Recommended Posts

Chipmunk Attend Annual Respect Life Meeting

By Jamie Hanzo • October 13, 2025
Chipmunks Attend Annual Respect Life Meeting 💚✨ At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are proud to support our students as they live out their faith and commitment to the dignity of life. Recently, three of our dedicated Pro-Life Club members—Layla Diaz, Mia Impastato, and Ava Kissinger—had the incredible opportunity to attend the Annual Respect Life Meeting, hosted by the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Catholic Charities' Respect Life Office. A Special Gathering at the Archbishop’s Residence This meaningful event, held at the residence of Archbishop Gregory Aymond, brought together young leaders and advocates from across the Archdiocese to discuss the importance of respecting and protecting life at every stage. The meeting provided a unique space for students to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations about how they can make a positive impact in their communities. An Unforgettable Experience Layla, Mia, and Ava represented Chapelle with grace and enthusiasm, joining other Pro-Life advocates in prayer and dialogue. They had the opportunity to hear inspiring messages from Archbishop Aymond and leaders from the Respect Life Office, emphasizing the importance of compassion, advocacy, and action in building a culture of life. The meeting also provided valuable resources and ideas for the Pro-Life Club to bring back to our school community, empowering them to continue their work in spreading awareness and promoting the sanctity of life. Thank You, Students and Leaders! We are so proud of Layla, Mia, and Ava for representing Archbishop Chapelle High School with such passion and purpose. A special thank you to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Catholic Charities, and Archbishop Aymond for hosting this inspiring event and providing our students with this incredible opportunity.  Together, we continue to pray for and work toward a world that values and respects the dignity of all human life.

All-Academic Composite Team—VolleyChips

By Jamie Hanzo • October 13, 2025
Celebrating Academic Excellence: All-Academic Composite Team 🎓✨ At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we strive to cultivate leaders who excel in all areas of life—spiritually, socially, and academically. Today, we are thrilled to honor three extraordinary students whose dedication, hard work, and perseverance have earned them a spot on the prestigious All-Academic Composite Team! This recognition is awarded to students who have achieved All A’s for four consecutive years—a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their commitment to academic excellence and their unwavering dedication to success in the classroom. Congratulations to Our Academic Aces! 🏐 Chloe Arnold 🏐 Ava Landry 🏐 Lillian Weaver These three Chipmunks have demonstrated incredible focus, resilience, and discipline throughout their high school journey, and we could not be prouder of their achievements. Balancing rigorous academics with extracurriculars and personal growth is no small feat, and their hard work serves as an inspiration to their peers and the entire Chapelle community.

Chapelle Volleyball Beats Dominican

By Jamie Hanzo • October 10, 2025
Chapelle Volleyball Shines in Historic District Victory 🏐💚 The Archbishop Chapelle volleyball team is proving that hard work, heart, and determination can lead to incredible achievements. On Thursday, the Chipmunks pulled off a thrilling upset, defeating a powerhouse opponent, Dominican, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15, 25-19 in a key District 8-I match at home. This victory marks the first time Chapelle has defeated Dominican since October 16, 2018—a true milestone for the program. A Program on the Rise Under the leadership of legendary head coach Jodee Pulizzano, now in her second year at Chapelle, the volleyball program is experiencing a resurgence. Pulizzano, who boasts an incredible 1,025 career wins over 35 years, has been a part of six state championships and nine finals appearances during her illustrious career. “This one ranks very high,” Pulizzano said of the victory. “You preach to your team that they are good. Until they actually achieve that goal, then they start believing. The energy was great. You have to learn how to win the big game. That’s a culture thing. I think we’re turning the corner. It’s a phenomenal group of kids.” A Team Effort The Chipmunks’ performance on Thursday was nothing short of extraordinary—a true demonstration of teamwork and grit. 🏐 Victoria McCann led the way with an impressive 26 kills, showing her dominance at the net. 🏐 Blythe Bonnaffons was everywhere on the court, tallying 41 assists and an incredible 22 digs. 🏐 Ava Landry anchored the defense with 35 digs, proving her reliability in high-pressure moments. 🏐 Audrey Dubuc added 13 kills, while Chloe Arnold contributed with 8 blocks to shut down the opposition's attack. 🏐 Lilly Carmadelle served up 3 aces, adding to the Chipmunks’ momentum. This was truly a complete team effort, with every player stepping up to contribute to the monumental win. The victory was more than just a win—it was a statement. It showed that the Chipmunks are ready to compete at the highest level in one of the toughest volleyball districts in Louisiana. “Why not us?” Pulizzano said. “This was a complete team effort. It’s about what players come out to play. It was phenomenal. It was great. We have players willing to give it up for their teammates.” Looking Ahead With the win, Chapelle improves to 15-7 overall and remains undefeated in district play at 3-0. The Chipmunks will face another formidable challenge on Monday, taking on defending state champion Haynes Academy at home at 5:30 p.m. As for the team, they are ready to embrace the challenge and continue building on their momentum. This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and belief that defines the Chapelle volleyball program. Congratulations to Coach Pulizzano and the entire team. Let’s keep the energy high and continue to cheer on our Chipmunks as they take on the best in the state!

Veterinary Science Explores Rhino Conservation

By Jamie Hanzo • October 9, 2025
Hands-On Learning in Veterinary Science: Exploring Rhino Conservation At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we believe in bringing education to life through hands-on learning, and our Veterinary Science elective is no exception. Recently, students in Judy Merrill’s Veterinary Science class took part in an innovative lab that combined science, conservation, and real-world applications. A Look Into Rhino Conservation The lab centered on the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s groundbreaking contributions to rhino conservation efforts, specifically through reproductive endocrinology research. Students were introduced to the critical role that hormone studies play in preserving endangered species like the rhinoceros. As part of the lab, students worked with mock progesterone hormone samples from a female rhino. By analyzing this data, they were able to: - Diagnose the reproductive state of the rhino. - Understand how this information is used to help manage breeding programs. - Learn how reproductive science can contribute to saving a species from extinction. Real-World Veterinary Science Applications This lab provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and veterinary science. Through studying reproductive cycles and hormone research, students gained real-world insight into how science and technology help protect endangered animals. Judy Merrill explained the importance of this hands-on experience: “This cutting-edge curriculum allows students to see how veterinary science plays a crucial role in species preservation. It’s about more than just learning facts—it’s about understanding how their future careers can make a difference in the world.” Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists This lab is just one example of how Chapelle’s Veterinary Science elective fosters curiosity and passion for science. By engaging in meaningful, real-world learning experiences, students are inspired to think critically about their future and the impact they can have on the environment.  Congratulations to our Veterinary Science students for their hard work and to Mrs. Merrill for creating such an engaging and impactful curriculum!

Payton Morris '28 Designs Pink Month T-Shirt

By Jamie Hanzo • October 8, 2025
Celebrating Creativity: Payton Morris Designs the 2025 Pink Month T-Shirt! 🎨💗 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are always amazed by the incredible talent and creativity of our Chipmunks. This year, we were excited to see so many beautiful design submissions for our 2025 Pink Month T-Shirt, and we are thrilled to announce the design selected to represent this special tradition. Congratulations to Payton Morris, a talented sophomore, for creating the winning design! 🎉 A Tradition of Talent Each year, members of the Chapelle community submit their own designs for the Pink Month T-Shirt, and the Chapelle Administration selects the winning entry. Payton’s design was chosen for its creativity, meaning, and representation of the spirit of Pink Month. A Chipmunk to Celebrate We are so lucky to have such talented students in the Chapelle family, and Payton’s design is a shining example of the unique gifts our Chipmunks share with the community. Her artwork will now be worn proudly by students, staff, and families throughout the month of October as we raise awareness and show support for an important cause. Congratulations again to Payton Morris on this amazing achievement! We can’t wait to see your design come to life and celebrate Pink Month together. 💗 All t-shirt proceeds will go to the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center.

Fete de Musique Marching Competition

By Jamie Hanzo • October 8, 2025
Congratulations to the Chapellettes and Raider Band! 🎶💚 This past Saturday, October 4th, the Chapellettes and Raider Band took the stage at the Fête de Musique Marching Competition at Central Lafourche High School—and they did not disappoint! They brought home 2nd Place in Class 2 and the award for Overall Best General Effect, showcasing their incredible talent, precision, and teamwork.  We are so proud of our Chapellettes and Raider Band for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for representing Chapelle with such excellence and spirit!

Future Scholars Night: Exploring the Possibilities at Chapelle

By Jamie Hanzo • October 8, 2025
Welcoming Future Chapelle Chips to Future Scholars Night🌟💚 On October 1st, Archbishop Chapelle High School welcomed prospective families to our campus for Future Scholars Night, an exciting evening designed for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade girls and their families. This special event gave families a chance to explore Chapelle’s academic programs, experience hands-on learning, and discover what makes our school such a unique and inspiring place for young women. A Warm Welcome to Future Chips The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from our Associate Head of School, who set the tone for an insightful and fun-filled night. Families then split into groups, with parents and their daughters participating in tailored activities to help them get a taste of the Chapelle experience. Hands-On Activities for Future Scholars While parents met with Chapelle teachers to learn more about our academic programs, the students got to dive into hands-on learning experiences. Some of the exciting stations included: - Future Focus : Students explored their future at Chapelle by creating vision boards and learning about college prep opportunities. - STEM : A highlight of the evening, students worked on robotics, experimented with 3D printing in the ARC, and conducted fun science experiments. - Tech and Media : Guests got a behind-the-scenes look at Chapelle’s technology and media program, showcasing how creativity meets innovation. - Experiential Learning : Students learned about Chapelle’s exciting electives and field trips that take learning outside the classroom and into the real world. These stations gave Future Chips the opportunity to experience the vibrant and diverse learning opportunities that await them at Chapelle! Informative Sessions for Parents While the students were busy exploring, parents had the chance to hear directly from Chapelle teachers about the curriculum, programs, and resources that make our school a leader in Catholic education. Families also received handouts with valuable information about scholarships and course studies, helping them envision their daughter’s future as a Chapelle student. A Night to Remember Future Scholars Night was an overwhelming success, giving prospective families a firsthand look at the supportive, faith-filled, and academically enriching environment that Chapelle offers. We loved seeing so many bright, curious young women and their families on campus, and we hope they left feeling excited about the possibilities of becoming part of the Chapelle family! To all of our Future Chips: Thank you for joining us, and we can’t wait to see you again soon! 💚

Fun Friday Assembly: October 3

By Jamie Hanzo • October 8, 2025
Celebrating Chipmunk Excellence: Fun Friday Assembly 🎉💚 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we love celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff. On Friday, October 3rd, the Chapelle family gathered for a Fun Friday Assembly to honor our Chips who shined in September and to get excited about all the fun ahead this month! Recognizing Excellence: Students of the Month One of the highlights of the assembly was celebrating our Students of the Month, who demonstrated outstanding character, leadership, and dedication in September. Congratulations to these amazing Chipmunks: - Sarah Karcher - Josie Dubuc - Emma Batson - Jayla Aucoin - Abby Naquin These students have gone above and beyond in academics, extracurriculars, and their contributions to the Chapelle community. We are so proud of you! 🎉 Honoring Our Faculty and Staff It’s not just our students who go the extra mile—our teachers and staff are also incredible role models for excellence and dedication. We were thrilled to recognize these outstanding members of the Chapelle family: - Staff Member of the Month : Kaylyn Bourgeois - Teacher of the Month : Will Thompson Thank you, Mrs. Bourgeois and Mr. Thompson, for your hard work and commitment to our students. Your passion for education and support for the Chapelle community do not go unnoticed! 💚 Looking Ahead In addition to celebrating September’s accomplishments, we also looked forward to all the exciting events and activities coming up in October. From sports games to campus ministry opportunities, there’s so much to be excited about as we continue to grow together as a Chapelle family. A Community of Faith and Fun Our Fun Friday Assemblies are more than just a chance to celebrate—they’re a reminder of the vibrant, supportive community we have at Chapelle. Whether we’re cheering for a fellow Chipmunk or setting goals for the month ahead, these moments bring us closer as a school family. Congratulations to all of our honorees, and here’s to a fantastic October at Chapelle! 🎉✨
More Posts