By Carole King
Independence High School’s Esme McAfee, junior MVP for Lady Bulldogs Swim Team, pulled ahead to contribute 341 points this season, 2nd most points contributed by any team member. In addition, Esme made All League First Team this year, finishing in the top five times in three of her four events. At the 2025 All League Meet, Esme medaled 2nd in the 200 Medley Relay, 4th in 200 Free Relay, 5th in 50 Free and 6th in 100 Free.
Swim Coach Haley Marchant nominated Esme as junior MVP due to her hard work ethic, her skill as a swimmer, and her overall contribution to the team.
“Esme plays a huge role on our team,” Marchant said. “She may be quiet at meets but she doesn’t go unnoticed. Esme swims mainly freestyle but could be put in any event and do well. Her leadership style is to lead by example, and she sets a good one.”
Esme has been a part of the Lady Bulldog Swim Team for three years and also participates in summer swim team and in All-Star Swim Club. In addition, Esme is involved in FCA, youth group, band, and K Club.
Esme’s favorite part of being on swim team is spending time with her teammates.
“My favorite part about being on the swim team is the people who are in it,” she says. “The girls are always so fun to be around. They’re always positive at practice and trying to get better. All of them are so kind and fun to talk to and learn about. I’m so glad I’m able to be a part of the swim team and get to know all of the girls!”
When it comes to giving a shout out, Esme thanks Coach Marchant for always pushing her to do better.
VYPE SPORTS spoke with Esme in a recent interview about her goals and favorite parts of being on swim team.
VYPE SPORTS: Hey Esme! Tell us about your events on the Lady Bulldog Swim Team.
I am currently participating in Girls’ Swim. My events are normally the 200-medley relay, 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free relay, and sometime 400 relay.
VYPE SPORTS: What was your personal goal for swim team the year?
My goal for this year was to hit consideration or state qualifying times in one of my events.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
The teammate who left the biggest impression on me is Megan Foster. We had been friends for a long time before doing swim together. She wasn’t always on the swimming team, but once she joined, she learned very quickly. Her motivation to learn and improve inspired me to do the same. During practice and at meets, she’s always cheering me and other swimmers on. Megan is also good at teaching and giving advice on how to do better. With how hard-working and motivated she is, Megan’s definitely the person who will leave the biggest impression on me.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
I swim year-round. During the winter, I manage the boys’ team and practice with them. During the summer, I do our town’s summer swim, where I’m thrown into all the events. Finally, during the fall and into the winter, I participate in our town’s “All-Star Swim Club.”
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (in any sport or non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
At league, the past two years, I have medaled in all of my events. That is what I’m most proud of with swim team.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Swimming taught me to keep going even when things are hard. You must push yourself if you want to be better. Even just small steps can make improvement.
Congratulations Esme for being junior MVP for the Lady Bulldog Swim Team in 2025, and for making All League First Team two years in a row. Keep up the good work and we’ll see you next year!
