It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Stillwater Lift Bridge, Historic Site in Stillwater, MN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Stillwater, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pioneer Park in Stillwater, MN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar or visit St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Stillwater, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Stillwater, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Stillwater, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Valley Climate Action Week is a community-wide celebration of the people, partnerships, and projects creating a more resilient and sustainable St. Croix Valley. Throughout the week, residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and local governments are invited to come together to learn, volunteer, connect, and take meaningful action.Hosted by Sustainable Stillwater MN, this collaborative initiative showcases how climate solutions happen at the local level—through neighbors helping neighbors and organizations working together towa...
Valley Climate Action Week is a community-wide celebration of the people, partnerships, and projects creating a more resilient and sustainable St. Croix Valley. Throughout the week, residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and local governments are invited to come together to learn, volunteer, connect, and take meaningful action.
Hosted by Sustainable Stillwater MN, this collaborative initiative showcases how climate solutions happen at the local level—through neighbors helping neighbors and organizations working together toward a shared future.
Whether you’re attending one event or participating all week long, there’s a place for you to get involved.
Every day highlights a different aspect of sustainability while celebrating the partners and community members making an impact across the Valley.
MONDAY, SEPT. 14:
Valley Network Day
Kick off the week by celebrating collaboration across the St. Croix Valley.Monday brings together residents, organizations, and leaders who are building stronger communities through creativity, conversation, and shared purpose, while also highlighting the Green Business Directory and the businesses helping lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15:
Land and Stewardship Day
Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of thriving communities. Tuesday highlights the projects and partnerships that protect our rivers, lakes, habitats, parks, and neighborhoods while encouraging stewardship and care for the places we all share.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16:
Transportation Day
Transportation choices shape our health, economy, and environment. Wednesday showcases sustainable mobility through community rides, educational opportunities, and ideas that make it easier to travel with a lower environmental impact.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17:
Celebration of Science and Sustainability
Join us for an evening that celebrates the people, ideas, and organizations helping build a more sustainable future. Connect with others, explore local sustainability efforts, recognize community leadership, and support our mission.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18:
Community Leadership Day
Climate solutions are powered by people. Friday highlights the businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, educators, and local leaders who are creating lasting change through collaboration and service across the Valley.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19:
Bird City Festival Day
The week concludes with a family-friendly celebration of nature, conservation, and community spirit. Visitors can discover local organizations, enjoy interactive experiences, connect with green businesses, and celebrate the biodiversity and environmental leadership found throughout the St. Croix Valley.
Expansion in Mankato and the Greater Twin Cities to Create More Than 500 Jobs and Provide $125K in Support to Local Food BanksMINNEAPOLIS (July 8, 2026) – From the Twin Cities to communities across Southern and Central Minnesota, Chick-fil-A® is furthering its investment in the North Star State with five new locally owned and operated restaurants set to open by the end of 2028. The restaurants will create more than 500 jobs, and the company will donate $125,000 to local food banks to celebrate t...
MINNEAPOLIS (July 8, 2026) – From the Twin Cities to communities across Southern and Central Minnesota, Chick-fil-A® is furthering its investment in the North Star State with five new locally owned and operated restaurants set to open by the end of 2028. The restaurants will create more than 500 jobs, and the company will donate $125,000 to local food banks to celebrate the openings.
Regional GrowthSince opening its first Minnesota restaurant in 2005, Chick-fil-A has expanded its presence across the state, bringing its signature hospitality and freshly prepared food to Guests served at its 27 restaurants. Building on this momentum, Chick-fil-A plans to open new, locally owned and operated restaurants in several communities, including:
“Minnesota is home to thriving local businesses and people who care deeply about their neighbors,” said Brent Townsend, Sr. Area Director, Midwest Region. “Our expansion is about so much more than just opening restaurants. By empowering local Owner-Operators as independent small business owners, we’re investing in people and communities – creating jobs, building trusted gathering spaces and serving neighbors both in and out of the restaurant.”
Caring for the Minnesota CommunityChick-fil-A Owner-Operators in Minnesota are passionate about showing care to the communities they serve.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK and Singapore.
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts and making a positive impact. Chick-fil-A gives back through programs including Shared Table, True Inspiration Awards and Scholarships. The family-owned and privately held company got its start in 1946, founded by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and Chick-fil-A Press Room.
STILLWATER, Minn., August 10, 2026 (Newswire.com) - With over 33 years of experience and more than 450 closed career transactions, Richard McDonough has built a reputation as the . As a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor with Lakes Sotheby's International Realty, he provides buyers and sellers throughout the St. Croix Valley with strong local knowledge, tailored marketing, and clear guidance for high-end properties.Buying or selling in Stillwater, MN? Call Richard McDonough at Lakes Sotheby's International Realty at 6...
STILLWATER, Minn., August 10, 2026 (Newswire.com) - With over 33 years of experience and more than 450 closed career transactions, Richard McDonough has built a reputation as the . As a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor with Lakes Sotheby's International Realty, he provides buyers and sellers throughout the St. Croix Valley with strong local knowledge, tailored marketing, and clear guidance for high-end properties.
Buying or selling in Stillwater, MN? Call Richard McDonough at Lakes Sotheby's International Realty at 612-819-3518.
Why Is Richard McDonough the Best Real Estate Agent in Stillwater, MN?
McDonough's strength lies in his command of the area's specialized housing stock. Selling a waterfront estate or a historic property takes more than reviewing basic comparable sales - it requires understanding custom features, structural nuances, and distinct buyer pools.
For sellers, he utilizes professional storytelling and targeted marketing to reach the right audience, ensuring custom estates are positioned correctly from day one. For buyers, his decades of history in the area translate to clear advice on true property values and long-term potential before an offer is made. He handles the variables of executive homes and riverfront properties so clients can move forward with confidence.
"Selling a historic or custom waterfront home requires reaching the right audience with the right narrative," says McDonough. "I make sure sellers have a clear strategy, and buyers know exactly what they are acquiring before they write an offer."
What Is Richard McDonough's Experience in Stillwater?
Richard McDonough handles real estate across , Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Afton, Mahtomedi, and Marine on St. Croix. His work spans traditional residential sales, historic properties, luxury waterfront estates, and executive homes along the St. Croix River. He is also licensed in Wisconsin, extending his coverage to Hudson, Prescott, and the surrounding western counties.
Experience Proof Points:
What Do the Stillwater Market Numbers Say Right Now?
Stillwater remains a strong seller's market characterized by tight inventory, according to the most recent data from Redfin. The median sale price sits at about $440,000, down roughly 22% year over year, but demand remains high. With only one month of supply and just 28 homes available, buyers face a market where well-priced listings move quickly.
Homes are taking a median of just 22 days to sell. Properties are closing above asking price on average, and nearly 69% sell for more than their list price.
For sellers, these numbers mean a well-prepared property still commands strong interest despite shifts in median price. For buyers, the fast pace and low inventory require having financing ready and knowing when to submit a strong initial offer rather than waiting for further price drops.
Who Is Richard McDonough of Lakes Sotheby's International Realty?
Richard McDonough is a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor with Lakes Sotheby's International Realty serving Stillwater and the surrounding St. Croix Valley. As a fourth-generation resident of the area, his lifelong ties to the community inform his understanding of the region's history, neighborhoods, and development.
This deep local background gives him a practical perspective on how the area has grown and where it is heading. He pairs this community insight with the broad reach of the Sotheby's network to give his clients a clear view of their real estate investments.
Backed by a strong reputation across the valley, McDonough is known for his objective advice, attention to complex property details, and commitment to clear communication throughout the transaction.
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Source: Richard McDonough
One of Minnesota’s most dominant athletic programs can be found in the deep end of the pool.Photos and video by Anthony SouffléEight swimmers slipped below the surface of the water in unison. From the pool deck, the group looked like shadowy figures underwater. Down there in the deep end, the swimmers worked to get into position for something dramatic.Suddenly, one of the swimmers launched out of the water, twirled 1½ rotations in a backflip, and the show was on."Sometimes it's scary,&qu...
Photos and video by Anthony Soufflé
Eight swimmers slipped below the surface of the water in unison. From the pool deck, the group looked like shadowy figures underwater. Down there in the deep end, the swimmers worked to get into position for something dramatic.
Suddenly, one of the swimmers launched out of the water, twirled 1½ rotations in a backflip, and the show was on.
"Sometimes it's scary," Stillwater senior Hailey Schmit said of being thrown out of the water and into the air, "but it's also really fun."
This isn't horseplay at a neighborhood pool. At Stillwater High, synchronized swimming is serious business. The state championship banners spread across the wall of the aquatic center reveal an expectation of excellence.
The Ponies claimed their sixth consecutive state championship in late May.
"These girls know there are no excuses," longtime coach Kathy Henderson said.
Synchronized swimming is a nontraditional sport that has seen participation slip in Minnesota since the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 13 programs remaining statewide. Roster numbers have dwindled as well. The teams and athletes who participate are passionate advocates of a sport that requires a particular blend of skills.
"It's a mix of speed swimming, gymnastics, figure skating and dance," Schmit said.
I had never seen synchronized swimming until visiting a Ponies practice. I learned a lot, including that these swimmers devote as much time and effort to their craft as athletes in other sports.
The older Stillwater swimmers practice four hours a day, six days a week. Most of that time is spent in the pool, rehearsing routines and refining individual skills known as "figures."
Meets feature events such as solos, duets, trios and team competitions. A team can have as many as eight swimmers. The more swimmers involved in a routine, the more complicated and challenging it becomes to get everyone in sync with the choreography set to music.
"It's so much more interesting and more involved than just swimming laps for two-and-a-half hours straight," said Henderson, who is in her 34th season with the program as either head coach or assistant.
Swimmers are prohibited from touching the bottom of the pool. They stay afloat using techniques called "sculling" and "eggbeaters." They don't use the term "treading water." They have cool lingo to describe certain body positions such as "fishtail," "hook" and "tabletop."
Swimmers perform precise movements that resemble ballet while sometimes being upside down underwater. Routines last two to four minutes.
"It's physical strength, but you also have to have insane artistry and creativity and body awareness," said Schmit, the state's top-ranked synchronized swimmer, who will compete for the Gophers club team next season. "It's a lot of things combined, which I feel you don't get with a lot of sports. This allows you to express yourself more."
Like most of Stillwater's older swimmers, Schmit writes her own choreography and picks music for it. The coaches help perfect their routines.
Henderson and her assistants use a microphone to communicate with swimmers inside the noisy aquatic center. Coaches stop routines and make swimmers repeat sequences if someone is a little slow with the count or if something doesn't look properly aligned.
Stamina is essential in this sport. Among other things, swimmers are judged by pool coverage. In other words, how much of the entire pool do they use in their routines?
The most difficult choreography takes place in the deep end (click on the link to watch). Swimmers want to get in and get out of the shallow end quickly because they can't perform as many skills in that area.
"You want to cram as much choreography in as you can," Henderson said. "You want to be creative and artistic, but you also want to be strong and difficult and unique."
All those things are why the No. 1 trait Henderson expects of her swimmers is "mental toughness."
"It takes a lot to be able to make your body do crazy stuff," she said. "Make it look pretty with a smile on your face."
As a team, the Ponies performed 23 routines this season of various sizes and levels of expertise. All but one of those routines qualified for the state meet, and all 22 placed in the top seven, thus earning points.
The Ponies finished with 179 points to claim the title, well ahead of runner-up Wayzata at 90.
Stillwater has never finished lower than second place in the five decades that Minnesota has declared a state champion. The Ponies carry that legacy every time they jump into the pool.
Stillwater synchronized swimmers sit together, top left, as they prepare to compete in a home meet April 23. At top right, teammates Hanna Wiese, Andelyn Filandrinos and Gabby Lalande talk with head coach Kathy Henderson during practice March 24. Henderson gives a hug to her seniors, bottom, ahead of the synchronized swimming state invitational May 22 at the University of Minnesota's Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center.
"A lot of times we talk about family," Henderson said. "These are like your sisters for 12 weeks. You're going to fight and cry sometimes, and in the end, you're going to fight for each other and cry for the good reasons."
Hanging state championship banners every year brings those happy tears.
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