Williamsburg swim team makes waves with rapid growth

Wildcats field first-ever relay teams, set school records, and inspire with individual triumphs

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Williamsburg High School's swim team has grown from just two athletes in 2024-2025 to 10 swimmers this year, including the school's first-ever boys and girls relay teams. Led by senior Taylor Sefton and a group of dedicated freshmen, the team is breaking records and inspiring the community with their hard work and camaraderie.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of Williamsburg's swim team demonstrates the power of community support and perseverance. Despite limited resources and facilities, the team has built a strong foundation that is expected to continue improving in the coming years, showcasing the transformative impact of high school sports.

The details

The Wildcats' swim team has grown from just two athletes in 2024-2025 to 10 swimmers this year, including the school's first-ever boys and girls relay teams. Senior Taylor Sefton, who owns five of the school's seven individual records, is hoping to become just the second female swimmer at Williamsburg to qualify for the state meet. The team also features junior Jarvis Zach, a German native who is new to the sport, and freshman Mallory Murphy, who couldn't swim at all when she joined the team but has persevered with the support of her teammates.

  • On December 17, 2025, the Wildcats fielded their first-ever boys and girls relay teams.
  • Taylor Sefton is attempting to become the second female swimmer at Williamsburg to qualify for the state meet.

The players

Taylor Sefton

A senior swimmer who owns five of Williamsburg's seven individual records and is attempting to become the second female swimmer from the school to qualify for the state meet.

Bill Sefton

The fourth-year head coach of the Williamsburg swim team, who has overseen the rapid growth of the program.

Jarvis Zach

A junior swimmer who is new to the sport, having emigrated from Germany and joined the team this year.

Mallory Murphy

A freshman swimmer who couldn't swim at all when she joined the team but has persevered with the support of her teammates.

Betsy Brockman

A former Williamsburg swimmer who won back-to-back 200-yard individual medley state titles in 2001 and 2002, setting a previous DII state record.

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What they’re saying

“I never really got to be in a high school relay and having it my senior year was even more special for me. It's really going to be a core memory as long as I live.”

— Taylor Sefton (Yahoo Sports)

“They all work well together. They're a fantastic team. They all get along, nobody has any problems and they work hard. I can't ask for anything else as a coach.”

— Bill Sefton, Head Coach (Yahoo Sports)

“It would just be another accomplishment for myself. If I can only make districts four times in a row and I end up not making state, I won't be too upset because I know the work I put in wasn't for nothing.”

— Taylor Sefton (Yahoo Sports)

“I did swimming once in Germany, but it was for maybe two weeks and I really enjoyed it. Also in my free time, I swim a lot so I decided to join the swim team. I heard that it was starting new so I wanted to see how it was.”

— Jarvis Zach (Yahoo Sports)

“I was flailing in the water. I would swim and I wasn't moving. I would basically be standing still in the water but I kept going because everybody was like, 'You're doing good. You're growing.' All my teammates were always there for me. They didn't let me get upset about not doing good. So I just kept trying and I never gave up.”

— Mallory Murphy (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the inspiring growth of Williamsburg's swim team, which has gone from just two athletes to a thriving program in just a few years. The team's success is a testament to the power of community support, perseverance, and the transformative impact of high school sports.