Union City High School Girls Swim Team Wins Seventh Straight County Title

The Union City High School Girls Swim Team has won its seventh consecutive Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League (H.C.I.A.L.) championship, continuing a run of dominance that spans more than a decade. With 611 points in the county tournament—more than twice that of the nearest competitor—the team capped an 8–1 regular season with another title.

Since 2016, the program has won 10 of the last 11 county championships. Head Coach Pete Sinagra, who has led the team throughout that period, described their approach in three words: “Set a goal. Work hard. Make history.”

The team’s daily routine reflects that mindset. From November through January, swimmers practice six days a week for 90 minutes, swimming a total of about 15 miles each week.

Several students delivered standout performances at the tournament. Monica Robles, Jasmin Rojo, and Camilla Rodriguez placed first, second, and third in one event. Rachel Rivero earned second place in another. In a relay race, four students—Robles, Emily Martel, Stephanie Pavon, and Kaitlyn Tamay—secured first place with a comfortable lead.

Sinagra began his coaching career with the boys team at the former Union Hill High School, later serving as an assistant at Union City High School. He has led the girls team since 2016, joined in recent years by Assistant Head Coach Rina Rosales.

Superintendent of Schools Silvia Abbato recognized the team’s accomplishments. “All of your hard work and determination has been an inspiration for all of us. We could not be prouder of your success,” she said.