Zoe Bitterman; has given everything she has to the MHS swim program

Each month, Montgomery High School Athletic Director Kris Grundy polls local coaches to select a female and male scholar athlete to spotlight as The Montgomery News Athlete of the Month. Each athlete will receive a gift from our sponsor — The Tiger’s Tale.

By Sam Bernardi | Posted April 16, 2025

Zoe Bitterman is a relentless competitor.  The junior sensation has been a catalyst behind the Montgomery Girls Varsity swim team, leading the squad to its best season in years.

She made first-team all-conference in the 100m butterfly and placed in the top 12 at both county and conference meets. While the Cougars disappointingly fell in the sectional finals, this campaign has shown marked improvement.

Zoe Bitterman

Coach Claire Scarpa, a swimming guru and Montgomery pillar, often has to deploy an uncommon strategy centered around Bitterman. 

Scarpa will ask her star to compete in the medley relay just minutes after completing her 200m freestyle. 

“Sometimes I need her in the fly in the relay… so she just does it,” Scarpa said.

Bitterman never complains, never tells Scarpa she is too tired to race and never wants to let her teammates down. It’s one thing to have natural talent and a penchant for winning. It’s another to continuously handle a heavy workload for the betterment of the team.

“People see swimming as an individual sport, but I think it’s so much more than that,” Bitterman said.

When Bitterman is not swimming for Scarpa’s team, she competes for the Princeton Tigers Aquatics Club, a collection of elite  local swimmers who practice seven — yes, seven — times a week.

Bitterman is not worried about overworking herself. She has aspirations of competing at the collegiate level and if this past season has shown anything, she is more than capable.

“I’ve definitely seen burnout with other teammates,” Bitterman said. “But, I think it’s also important to make sure that you’re swimming year-round because one practice off almost feels, to me, equivalent to a week off in the water.”

Zoe Bitterman in action.

Bitterman’s upbeat, positive attitude permeates around the pool. She and her Montgomery group have regular pasta parties before big meets.

While the PTAC club level may have better access to college recruiters and its rigorous demands prepare the swimmers for the future, there is something about this Montgomery team that holds a special place in Bitterman’s heart.

Montgomery has provided Bitterman with fun teammates, caring coaches, and a focused, yet more relaxed environment.

In return, she has given everything she has to this program.

Watch out for Bitterman and the rest of the Cougars as they seek the Meet of Champions next year. ■