The 2023-2024 season will be a season of change for the Sudbury Artistic Swim Club.

While a small handful of athletes persevered through the challenges of the global pandemic, the majority of those young women either graduated from high-school last year, or will be graduating next week, with most pursuing their post-secondary dreams out of town.

All of which made their accomplishments at both the 2023 Provincial Open Championships in May in Windsor, as well as the Lesley Taylor Meet a couple of months earlier all the more satisfying and meaningful.

Swimming solo events for the first time ever as a junior, Heidi Fink capped off a year of growth and development with a personal best score of 66.9667 at the all-Ontario showdown, placing 4th overall and earning Athlete of the Year accolades within the club.

"Heidi took on new challenges and opened the door to new artistic swimming possibilities this year," noted club head coach Courtney Stasiuk, who worked alongside Emily Binks in helping to guide Fink (and others) through these uncharted waters.

"She constantly pushed the boundaries of her own abilities, taking artistic swimming to new heights with each routine. Her dedication to constantly improve and the relentless pursuit of excellence have set her apart and made her a true role model this year."

Also raising the bar with increased height and endurance was Eva Jessup, 6th overall in the Youth (13-15) category, awarded a score of 62.6667 for her swim.

The junior team (Fink and Jessup joined by Amy Lacelle, Lana Squires and Amy Seguin) matched that placement both with their tech score (63.2567 - their best performance of the year) and their free routine (63.3333).

"The girls wanted to "put on a show" and they did just that with their Jumanji themed routine, achieving all of the goals they set out for themselves," said Stasiuk. "It was an incredible performance. I'm still in awe."

Rounding out the club awards were Julie Seguin (Volunteer of the Year), recognized for her invaluable role as registrar for the SASC, with Courtney Stasiuk selected as Coach of the Year.

"Julie's dedication, tireless efforts and commitment to our group have made a profound impact on the club," Stasiuk summarized.