When it comes to a challenge, Kate Gigliotti dives right in.

This talented senior from Tottenville High School on Staten Island is at the top of her game: learning a new sport, taking on the rigor of the Science Institute Program and leading her swim team to an undefeated season.

“It built us as a team to know that we’re not invincible, but we can work to get there again,” Gigliotti said.

Gigliotti is not new to this. She made her first splash when she was just 8 years old.

“I started swimming, and every practice, I would get out of the pool crying,” Gigliotti said.

Nevertheless, she persisted — through the tears, the long practices and the countless swim meets. She’s now the captain and led her teammates to glory, with the Pirates once again wearing the crown as Staten Island champions.

Gigliotti brings that winning energy to the classroom as well, taking on a demanding high school course load of only honors and AP classes.

She also makes waves on the lacrosse team, a sport she just picked up in high school and now captains.

“Learning new things is so important, and without lacrosse or starting something fresh, it would be very difficult to understand the power of learning,” Gigliotti said.

Gigliotti is excited about her next chapter. After graduation, she plans to dive into everything college has to offer.