Three former Whitehorse Glacier Bears (WGB) are making a splash in university pools this fall.

Mia Barrault is swimming for the University of B.C. (UBC) Thunderbirds, while Thomas Bakica and Alex Petriw are patrolling the lanes for the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Red Leafs.

The Star talked to new Glacier Bears head coach Bronwyn Pasloski about the trio’s success.

“Oh my goodness. So proud of them. So awesome,” she said.

Pasloski said perseverance took the swimmers to the next level.

“A lot of resilience, for sure. The crew that just went down to university was kind of in the middle of COVID and I think it was really tough for them.”

According to Pasloski, the Grade 12 year is when most of the universities are looking at swimmers but due to lack of competitions, the swimmers were lacking competitive times. The WGB did their best to make up for the lack of competitions.

“I think we were super creative as a swim club doing our best to try to integrate time trials for swimmers, just here locally,” said Pasloski. “And we were really lucky that we were able to do that. I think the city was super supportive, making that happen for us, but I think it was really challenging for them to kind of persevere, just knowing that (COVID) was hanging over their heads. But much like anything, that’s what everyone was experiencing in the competitive world.

“They were really resilient,” she added. “I think they came together as a group … they all really had that common goal of really falling in love with swimming and that was what they had to keep them going.

“When the pool was closed during COVID, they were very determined … I took them lake swimming all the time and it was miserable … so yeah, we’re super committed to just training all year round. And I think that really helped them get to where they’re at now … I’m really proud of them.”

According to a Sport Yukon press release, Barrault is studying kinesiology and looking to make a difference on the strong UBC team.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from,” said Barrault. “It’s about how much effort you put in every day. Hard work beats all.

“I also think I can bring more depth to the breaststroke, so I’m really excited about that.”

Barrault is looking forward to swimming with a larger team.

“I’ve always been from a small team,” said Barrault. “I’m really excited to learn about big teams, and how to hype everyone up.”

For Barrault, it’s all about the details.

“In swimming, once you get to the varsity level it’s very detail-oriented,” said Barrault. “I’m really excited for that; that’s where you get better.”

Pasloski said that she saw potential in the talented trio from the get-go.

“I coached Mia specifically; I was her direct coach. And right away I saw a lot of potential in her. She was just starting to grow at that time, really developing as a swimmer and understanding what higher level of competition meant as related to swimming.

“And I think the following year, I coached all three of them. I’ve been kind of always their coach. We did have Carmen (Escobar) come in at the end of 2019 and was the head coach there but I’ve always supported and direct-coached more or less with them since, I would say, 2018.

“The boys really took off just coming into 2020. That’s when they really understood the potential that was in front of them. I really saw how much they grew individually during that time, but it was really clear to me that it was a strong group.

“Like Amelia (Mia) Barrault really has … been one of the first swimmers in such a long time that was able to qualify (for) junior and senior national level events. So she … and I went to, I think, junior nationals in 2019 together and she went and competed at Canadian Olympic Trials just back in 2021 … so just awesome progression … it’s been a little bit of time since the club has seen that level of competitors kind of come through to that level.

“I think I can acknowledge there was two swimmers last year that also signed on varsity. That was Hannah Kingscote and Aiden Harvey, so they also deserve credit with that as well because all of them did chain together and helped each other get there,” she added.

According to Sport Yukon, Bakica is fitting in nicely with his new team.

“Everyone on the team gave all the recruits an awesome warm welcome,” said Bakica. “It feels good, I’ve connected with a lot of people already.”

“I’m looking to improve as a person and an athlete,” said Bakica, who’s studying environmental sciences. “The team has been really good at that. They are always encouraging and pushing each other hard.”

Bakica is also looking to bring a positive attitude to the SFU team.

“I think I bring a lot of enthusiasm and kindness,” said Bakica. “Overall, I just want to bring a good mood to practice.”

Bakica is used to being part of a tight-knit team in the Yukon.

“I want to bring that to the team,” said Bakica. “I like creating a good sense of community.”

Pasloski thinks that the trio is just breaking the surface when it comes to their swimming careers.

“I think they’re just getting started. That’s what’s super exciting about it. We have such an incredible club … for how small we are and just being up north. We are super supported with the resources that we do have and it’s always just so amazing when we do see kids up north that are able to reach that level.

“So I really do think that being surrounded in an environment where they’re really focusing on their education and they have a very big team around them all focused on the same thing, they’re going to see a ton of growth.

“… I really truly think that they’re just starting their careers right now. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see all of them at Senior to Nationals, for sure. And we’ll see where they go from there.”

Alex Petriw said he’s looking froward to being part of a powerful SFU team.

“I’m really looking forward to what this year is going to bring,” said Petriw. “This team is turning into a really strong team and we’ve added a strong group of recruits so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

Despite being a rookie, the Engineering Sciences student said he’s hoping to add depth and leadership to the team.

“I think strong leadership and new ideas are something I can bring to the team as a freshman,” said Petriw. “Adding depth to the team is a big part of swimming at the varsity level.”

Balancing the student-athlete schedule is second nature to Petriw after his time in the Yukon.

“Time management is something I learned in the Yukon,” said Petriw.

“And also having strong connections with everybody and maintaining those connections is really important to keep going.”

SFU is competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), so travel will keep him busy.

“On top of the course load, there will be lots of travelling,” said Petriw.

“Learning from my veteran teammates, how to keep up with school and stay on top of assignments is going to be really important.”

Pasloski added “Each of them are such incredible athletes. Just so … dedicated and so passionate and it’s so cool to see that as a coach. So I wish them all the best, and they’re going to do awesome.”