The legend of Sydni Diehl continues to grow with each lap of the pool.

Regarded as one of the greatest swimmers in the history of Barrington High School, this remarkable young woman has set the standard by which all others will be judged.       

“Sydni Diehl is without question the most dominant female swimmer that I have coached in my 50 years of coaching at the Barrington YMCA, East Bay Aquatic Club, and Barrington High School,” said a proud Sandy Gorham, coach of the Eagles. “She is instrumental in leading the Lady Eagle swim team in winning the state swimming championship for the last four years. During those four years, the girls team is undefeated in dual meet competition (32-0), won the John Stoyko Sportsmanship Award (2018), Bay View Invitational Swim Meet Champions (2020), and four consecutive years Rhode Island Division 1 State Champions (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020).”

That’s pretty heady stuff for the talented BHS senior and her Eagle teammates, who captured yet another state championship, and undefeated season in dual-meet competition the last six years.

“Sydni currently holds six individual team records and is a member of three record-setting relay teams out of the 11 team records,” said the coach.

Here are the breakdowns:

• 200 medley relay team: 1:49.96 - Cali Diehl-Melanie Baker-Sydni Diehl-Rachel Baker.

• 200 freestyle 1:53.59; 50 Freestyle 23.47; 100 Butterfly 56.39; 100 Freestyle 51.02; and 200 Freestyle Relay 1.38.31 – Zoe Webster-Emma DiGiacomo-Rachel Baker-Sydni Diehl.

• 100 backstroke 56.25; 400 Freestyle Relay 3.36.63 – Zoe Webster – Garin Stone- Rachel Baker, Sydni Diehl.

• Sydni also holds the state record in the 50 Freestyle 23.47 and is a member of 2 state record Relay teams: the 200-yard Free Relay team of Zoe Webster-Emma DiGiacomo-Rachel Baker-Sydni Diehl, 1:38.31 and 400 Freestyle Relay team of Zoe Webster-Garin Stone-Rachel Baker-Sydni Diehl, 3.36.60.

Barrington High School and everyone connected with this top-rated swim program are also proud of Sydni’s impressive award collection, which includes Bay View Invitational Swimmer of the Meet for 2 consecutive years: 2019-2020; Journal Bulletin Female Swimmer of the Year: 2018; Member of the All-State swim team for four consecutive years; and Barrington High School 2020 captain.

“Sydni Diehl won the 50/100 yard freestyles for the 3rd consecutive year and the two relays she swam on won in state record times,” Coach Gorham said. “She is without question the most dominant female swimmer I've ever coached and one of the best ever in Rhode Island.”

As for the future, Sydni plans on attending James Madison University and aims to continue swimming. She’s undecided on her major.

In summation, Coach Gorham said it best: “Sydni is a very special talent that we won't see at BHS for many years to come.”

The future for Barrington swimming is also bright with a number of exciting performers coming back and several more ready to take the next step forward.

And, let’s not overlook Coach Gorham and his ability to instruct and energize these kids to the point where championships are always on the doorstep. He’s done wonders with many of these athletes throughout his storied career and deserves as much credit as the swimmers themselves. The Barrington Eagles will always be in competent hands with Coach Gorham at the helm.