For fans of the Foxes aquatic teams, keeping track of their record-breaking performances might require a pencil with a sturdy eraser. During the past two years, the girls 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays have rewritten the record books multiple times with no signs of slowing down. Seniors Grace Kovach and Sarah Pasquella, along with sophomores Charlotte Rusche and Josie Stanczak, have been the mainstays of the relays. Together, they’ve set records, both individually and as a group, creating unforgettable memories of their shared success.
This year’s WPIAL Class 3A championships are set for Feb. 27-28, but the 200 free team already is focused on gold after placing second last year. Meanwhile, the 400 free team already owns a WPIAL gold medal from the 2024 championships and placed fifth at states last season. Motivated by the momentum they’ve built, these elite swimmers are racing faster and stronger than ever.
The talent of each swimmer is indisputable. In addition to her relay contributions, Sarah has qualified for WPIALs in six individual events (200 free, 200 individual medley, 50 free, 100 free, 100 backstroke, and 100 breaststroke), while Grace has advanced in five solo events (50 free, 100 free, 100 butterfly, 100 back, and 200 IM). Charlotte qualified in all six solo events (200 free, 200 IM, 50 free, 100 fly, and 100 free); and Josie earned spots in four (200 free, 50 free, 100 fly, and 100 free).
However, WPIAL and PIAA rules limit swimmers to four events in total, forcing them and the coaches to choose among their events as the postseason draws near.
The Champs
Sarah Pasquella
A University of Michigan recruit, Sarah is one of the most accomplished swimmers in Fox Chapel Area High School history. Along with her relay success, she holds three individual school records in the 50, 100, and 200 free events. At the 2024 PIAA championships, Sarah set the school record in the 200 free during her leg of the relay and earned a silver medal in the 100 breast, and placed third in the 200 free. Sarah won gold in the 200 free at WPIALs. This year, she is determined to claim at least one gold medal, perhaps more.
At just 18, Sarah is also a U.S. Open Swimming Championships qualifier, one step below qualifying for the Olympic trials. Reflecting on her journey, Sarah recalls being inspired by older teammates, including her sister Ariana, now a standout swimmer for the University of Rochester.
“It was an honor to be part of relay teams with such incredible upperclassmen like Ariana, Sophie Shao (Brown University), Talia Bugel (Bucknell University), Payton O’Toole (Ashland University), and Rei Sperry (Loyola Marymount University),” Sarah says. “I grew up admiring their relentless work in the pool, watching them push themselves every day to consistently challenge their personal bests at meets. Their success was always so inspiring, and they always motivated me to work even harder.”
Now a mentor to the younger swimmers like Charlotte and Josie, Sarah tries to pass on that same support.
“I encourage them in practices and reassure them during meets,” she says. “I remind them that the hard work has already been done, and when it’s time to compete, they just need to trust their preparation and give their best. I hope that they are just as inspired by my dedication to the sport as I was when I was an underclassman.”
Grace Kovach
A Franklin and Marshall recruit, Grace joined the 200 free relay team as a sophomore and became part of the 400 free relay last year as a junior. She plays pivotal roles as the lead-off swimmer in the 400 free and the anchor in the 200 free.
As a solo racer, Grace placed third at WPIALs last season in the individual 50 and 100 free events, and advanced to states in individual events. Her times and those of her teammates have already surpassed last season’s postseason performances. She says, “I am much faster than I was at this point last year.”
Over the past two years, the four of us have consistently worked together on our relay exchanges and are confident in our two relays. We all bring something different to the team as we focus on our individual specialties. We know each other’s personalities and how to support one another.”
Charlotte Rusche
Charlotte’s versatility is one of her biggest assets. She excels in all distances, but the 100, 200, and 500 free events are her power events. Last year as a freshman, Charlotte placed third at WPIALs in the 500 and 200 free individual events, and advanced to the PIAA championships. She’s also gifted in the individual medley and breaststroke events.
“Every time that the group sets a new record, it is very exciting and at the same time, it is motivating to keep getting faster,” says Charlotte. “We hope to break the team record again later this year. We don’t have a set goal for the season, but the goal is always to break the team record. We broke the 200-free relay, but not the 400 free relay, so a team record would be nice.”
There’s a world of difference in her mindset and times this season after placing a lot of pressure on herself to perform, especially in the relays.
“It was a little bit nerve-wracking, knowing the shoes I had to fill, but at the same time was very exciting,” Charlotte says. “I just had to remember that I was fully capable of being on the relays.
“It is rare having two relay spots taken by freshmen, so Josie and I were some of the only freshmen out of all the schools. But having Josie on the team with me really took off the added pressure that came with that.”
Josie Stanczak
Josie is another versatile swimmer competes in the individual 50 and 100 free, as well as the 100 butterfly. She’s found some success in the 200 free as well, and occasionally swims the 500 free.
“I find that some of my strengths are being able to find the energy to be positive and hype up my teammates before races,” Josie says. “I have always been very competitive in the pool, and when I get up on the block to swim in a relay, I know that I need to get ahead and beat as many other girls as possible to win. I love to race, and that competitive nature allows me to push myself as hard as possible, especially when my team is counting on me.”
Josie says her competitive nature has driven her to continually improve, especially her underwater dolphin kicks and flip turns. She says she’s drawn inspiration from Grace.
“I really look up to Grace when working on flip turns because her turns are very fast and sharp, which is ideal for sprinting,” she says.
Her enthusiasm for what’s ahead reflects what all the swimmers have experienced. She says, “The aftermath of the relays at states and WPIALs were definitely some of my happiest moments of the year.”
Chasing the Clock
While competing against powerhouse programs such as North Allegheny, Sarah doesn’t believe the Tigers are the Foxes’ biggest challenger.
“I think our team’s most fierce competitor is the clock,” Sarah says. “It is important for us to focus on our own races and relays, aiming to beat our previous records and times. There really is no better way to swim than against the clock.”
At the high level this foursome is at, the emphasis is on small details that can make big differences, such as building strength through weight training and dryland workouts, which are helping them with power racing. They also are holding each other accountable to stay consistent in practice.
“It’s super rewarding to see how our work in and out of the pool has elevated our swimming,” Sarah says. “I can’t wait to see what our team has in store for WPIALs and states.”
Head coach Matt Mauclair praises the girls’ determination, noting that they have not let success breed content.
“They have a bond that extends well beyond their individual events,” the coach says. “Regardless of their positions within the relay, they each hold such a high level of swimming skill. They are out to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.”
Josie credits their success to commitment and passion.
“You can tell that everyone on the team is focused and competitive and will give everything on their leg of the races. All of the girls on the relays are very talented sprinters and we all inspire each other to go faster.”