Rachel Lee [farthest right] at county swim meet (Rachel Lee).

Senior Rachel Lee has been a key member of the Lambert Varsity Swim Team throughout her high school career. She has been swimming competitively for five years, and her passion for the sport started early on. 

“My passion for swimming started when I joined Lambert’s Lil Horns team in 8th grade,” Lee said.

Lee mainly competes in the 100 butterfly and the 100 breaststroke, with the 100 butterfly being her favorite event. Over the years, she has continued to grow as a swimmer and push herself in the pool. Some of Lee’s favorite memories have been on the team, one of these favorite memories happened during last season. 

“The most memorable moment of my high school swimming career was definitely junior year state finals,” Lee said. “It brought the team together and it was the last meet with the seniors.”

Lee is excited for her last State Meet taking place on the weekend of Feb. 7, 2026. As a senior, Lee takes pride in being a leader on the team. She gives her knowledge and experience to the younger members and always spreads kindness. 

 “I try my best to be a role model for the underclassmen and make sure that everyone is included and having fun at meets,” Lee explained.

 Lee describes the team culture this season as positive and encouraging. The team has become close because of team bonding events like team dinners. Everyone on the team puts in effort to cheer each other on when competing in their respective events. 

 “I would say the team culture is very uplifting and supportive,” Lee said. “I try my best to include everyone, cheer them on at meets, and give words of encouragement.”

With both the positive energy of the team and her love for swimming, the Lambert Swim Team has played a big role in shaping Lee as a person by teaching her key skills. The tools she has learned on the team will help her in the future outside of swimming. 

“Swimming has shaped me as a person in and out of the pool by teaching me discipline, sportsmanship, competition, and being goal driven,” Lee said. 

Looking back on her time with the team she has had some of the best of her high school memories with the team. Lee has one main piece of advice for younger swimmers. 

“If I could give one piece of advice to underclassmen swimmers, it would be to not overthink it and have fun because the years go by fast,” Lee said.

As Lee finishes her final season, her leadership, positivity and dedication leave a lasting impact on the Lambert swim program.