Justin Hsu swimming Butterfly – Photo by Brac Buffa
by Neil Dutta
Sharon High School’s swim team has dominated the competition this season, breaking records and securing top finishes at major championships. With victories at the Hockomock Championship and standout performances at Sectionals and States, the Eagles have proven to be one of the league’s strongest teams.
Much of this success is due to Coach Sara Barbera. During nearly two decades of coaching the Sharon Sea Eagles, she has maintained that success isn’t just about winning races—it’s about guiding student athletes to become confident, independent, and kind young adults. As Coach Sara puts it, “It’s not about how fast you go, it’s about how much you grow.”
Swim team member Feining Huang dedicates her accomplishments this year to her coach. “I have to give a huge thank you to Coach Sara for being my biggest supporter,” Huang said. “She has seen me grow up, and now, as a junior in high school, I’m winning all these big races—that’s all thanks to her.”
Coach Sara’s philosophy was influenced by her mentor Todd Bate, who inspired her to push through tough times. Now, she passes on Bate’s encouragement and wisdom, motivating her swimmers to grow as individuals.
Accompanying Coach Sara is Coach Ryan Stringfellow, who brings a fresh perspective and energy to the swim team. His swimming journey began like that of many others: his parents signed him up for various activities, but swimming was what stuck. He swam on club teams in high school and college, taking breaks along the way but ultimately drawn back to the sport.
Coach Ryan’s transition to coaching was unexpected but natural. While on a break from swimming in college, he offered to help as a volunteer coach at a Foxborough practice. That small step led to a full-time coaching position and, eventually, the SHS swim team.
For Coach Ryan, this season has been especially exciting. Unlike previous teams he’s worked with, Sharon’s swimmers hone their competitive edge while also focusing on personal improvement. “The atmosphere is different from what I’ve been used to,” he said. “This team is competitive, they work hard, and they still have fun, which is the main reason I’ve had so much fun here.” Coach Ryan’s passion and the team’s drive have made this season one of growth and success.
Regular Season
The SHS swim team faced its share of challenges this season, with illnesses sidelining several swimmers. However, the boys’ team, led by senior captains Ray Luo, Samuel O’Reilly and junior captain Brac Buffa, pushed through to finish with a strong 5-2-1 record (that’s five wins, two losses, and one draw). On the girls’ side, senior captains Avital Gerts and Hannah Spears kept the team motivated, leading them to a 5-3 record. Buffa reflected on the season, saying, “This has been my best year yet. As a captain, I love supporting the team and building a strong team spirit. We have so many talented swimmers, and I know they’ll accomplish great things next year.” The team’s perseverance set the stage for an exciting postseason.
Hockomock Championship
At the Hockomock Championship, the boys’ team secured a strong third-place finish. Sophomore Leo Tran had a standout performance, winning both of his events and breaking an eight-year Hockomock meet record in the 200 freestyle. Luo, Buffa, O’Reilly, and sophomore Alex Ng all secured top-six finishes, and so did Sharon’s relay teams in all three events.
Leo Tran swimming backstroke – Photo by Brac Buffa
The girls’ team won second place. Sophomore Cora Shea dominated her events, winning both of her freestyle races. Junior Feining Huang broke her own Hockomock meet record in the 200 individual medley and also won the long-distance freestyle event. Freshman Wilma Zeng impressed in her debut with strong finishes in multiple events. Sharon’s relay teams also secured podium finishes in the medley and freestyle relays.
South Sectionals
For the boys, Leo Tran secured third place in the 200 freestyle and first place in the 100 freestyle. Tran shared, “I was really excited and happy because I put a lot of work in, and to see that it paid off—I’m just glad I was able to do it, especially with the people around me.”
At the South Sectional meet, the girls’ team delivered a remarkable performance. The team put on a strong performance: Huang and Shea led the way in the freestyle, finishing first and second. Huang also claimed victory in the butterfly, while Shea secured a podium finish in the long-distance freestyle. Zeng added to the team’s success with a solid finish in the breaststroke. To cap off the meet, Huang, Shea, Zeng, and senior Sophia Scott broke the school record in the 400 freestyle relay. Huang reflected, “The experience was amazing, and our relay has never done this well before.” Zeng added, “Breaking the school record felt incredible, and I’m so proud to be part of such an amazing team.”
State Championship: A Strong Finish for Sharon Swim Team
In the boys’ championship event, Tran won the 100 freestyle event and placed second in the 200 freestyle. He described his high school swimming experience as an incredibly fun opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of competing alongside classmates. Tran hopes to swim Division 1 in college and continue competing at a high level, pushing himself to improve constantly. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying that training with his teammates makes hard work more rewarding. He also credited his coaches with pushing the team to improve. “When we’re down, they keep us motivated,” Tran said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be the team we are.”
The Sharon girls’ team also put on a strong showing at the state championship, with Huang winning the individual medley and earning a runner-up finish in the butterfly. Shea delivered solid performances in both freestyle events, while Zeng impressed in the breaststroke. The team finished strong in the medley and freestyle relays, rounding out a successful meet.
Reflection
Driven by the leadership of coaches Sara Barbera and Ryan Stringfellow, the Sharon swim team had an outstanding season. The swimmers’ hard work led to impressive individual and team performances, including Leo Tran’s record-breaking swims and Feining Huang’s dominance in the individual medley and butterfly events. The relay teams set school records and delivered strong finishes at Sectionals and States. The season was marked not just by victories but by personal growth, teamwork, and a supportive environment, making it one of the team’s best years yet.