At many of the Newton-Colfax-Mingo-Pella swim team’s meets, the decibel level at various pools often reaches deafening levels. Especially at the Aquagirls’ home pool at the Newton Y. In an exciting race, the echoing of the crowd noise inside the pool makes it quite difficult to hear anything but an overall roar.

But one can always hear Sarah Patterson.

No matter what the circumstances of a meet are, the Aquagirls’ coach can be easily distinguished by her pattented call to her swimmers — a two-syllable shout that motivates the Aquagirls to give just a little extra effort.