For some, swimming and diving is a fun, relaxing summertime activity used to unwind and get a nice tan.

For others, it’s a passion. Some of those others are the Grand Valley State swimming and diving team.

“Last year, (the motto) was ‘Eat em up,’ we had shirts that said ‘Eat’ on them at the conference championship,” said GVSU head coach Andy Boyce.

Last season, both the men’s and women’s teams had strong performances. The Laker men won their first GLIAC title since 2010 and finished sixth in the national championship meet, while the women finished in second place at GLIACs and 20th nationally.

This season, however, a similar finish will not leave the Lakers content as a whole.

“Both teams want to be GLIAC champions. It would be the first time ever that both teams won. That, and a top four finish at nationals,” said sophomore Michael Hudson.

GVSU’s swimming and diving program has just one top four finish in school history. This year’s squad feels it has a legitimate shot at being the second team in GVSU lore to take home the hardware that comes with a top four finish.

“This is a great group of individuals from all over the country and all over the world. We have 13 international players on our team and they put the work in every day,” Boyce said. “Life as coach is a lot easier when there are people who are excited to be there and ready to work hard. We’re hoping to be in contention for a conference championship.”

The list of standouts is healthy for GVSU, which shouldn’t have to look far for impact athletes throughout the season. Boyce cited Gianni Ferrero, Jonathan Ham, Gabriel Souza and Marius Mikalauskus for the men, and Leonie Van Noort, Meghan Falconer and Sam Postmus for the women, but expects a number of others to seriously contribute.

Not only does the team feel it is well off in the water, but the Lakers also believe the locker room atmosphere and out-of-the-pool chemistry are advantages.

“We are one big family. We’re a combined team; we train together, we have our meets together and we support each other. We have a lot of fun,” Boyce said.

Although talent and chemistry levels are both high, there remains room for improvement.

“As a team, we can definitely always improve our attitudes. Positivity spreads just like negativity does. We’re just trying to stay positive and have a good attitude no matter how you’re swimming and what happens outside of the pool,” Suriano said.

GVSU opens the season with the Blue and White Intrasquad Meet at the GVSU Fieldhouse Pool on Oct. 10.