2023 Girls Swim Preview: High expectations for area teams in the pool
The splashes have already started as the 2023 high school girls swimming season is underway.
The city teams are already in the pool and will want to be hitting their stride by the time of the annual All-City meet, set for Sept. 16. Lakeview won it last year for the fifth year in a row and 18th time in the past 20 years.
But the big prizes will come in the postseason with league championships on the line and the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Finals, set for Nov. 17-18.
Here's a closer look at the area girls swim teams:
Battle Creek Central
Coach: Sequoia Farrell-Williams (2nd season)
Last year: N/A
Top returners: Camille Rojas, jr.; Lana Smith, sr.; Allie Cook, jr.
Outlook: The Battle Creek Central continues to try and grow a program hurt by numbers. The Bearcats are in a co-op with Pennfield and St. Philip in an attempt to get more athletes on the team. Junior Camille Rojas is a key returner for BCC and team captain, coming from St. Philip. A rising prospect last year, Rojas had top three finishes in both the 200 and 500 freestyle in the All-City Championship a year ago. Senior Lana Smith provides good leadership for BCC and junior Allie Cook is in her third year on the varsity.
"This season we look to improve upon our individual goals and focus on building speed as a team. We look to gain numbers and grow the team as we are rebuilding," Farrell-Williams said.
MORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:
2023 Boys Cross Country Preview
2023 Girls Cross Country Preview
2023 Football: City/Area High School Football Schedules
2023 Girls Golf Season Preview
2023 Boys Soccer Season Preview
Harper Creek
Coach: Meredith Hawkins (2nd season)
Last year: 6-1
Top returners: Kyla Copenhafer, sr., Natalee Andrews, jr.; Mya Copenhafer, sr.; Dru Koster, sr.; Hillary Schneider, jr.; Alex Thompson, sr.; Callie Slayton, so.; Jayden Aceituno, so.
Outlook: Harper Creek has a strong returning group as head coach Meredith Hawkins heads into her third season leading the program. The Beavers had a breakout campaign a year ago, with one of the largest rosters in program history and was undefeated in league play until the final dual of the season. Harper Creek will be led by senior all-conference performers Alex Thompson, Kyla Copenhafer and Mya Copenhafer as well as sophomore Callie Slayton, who qualified for the state meet as a freshman.
"Last season was a delightful season. It was a combined effort with many athletes contributing to a great season. This season we are a little smaller, but filled with some great young talented and hardworking athletes. I’m excited to see what the season holds," Hawkins said.
Lakeview
Coach: Andy Fredenburg (2nd season)
Last year: 6-3
Top returners: Avery Hardy, sr.; Alyssa Morgan, sr.; Chloe Phillips, sr.; Hannah Simmons, sr.; Avery Russell, jr.; Adia Wielenga, so.; Almendra Felix, so.; Reese Gowin, so.; Raegan Magnus, so.; Josie Pawlowicz, so.
Outlook: Lakeview has a team of talented athletes led by senior diver Avery Hardy and junior freestyler Avery Russell, both of whom are top returners in the state in their respective events. Raegan Magnus brings state level experience as she is looking to build on her impressive freshman campaign. Along with many returning scorers from last year’s SMAC meet, Lakeview also adds three talented freshman divers, giving the team five potential scorers in diving.
“The team is focused on improving from their fourth place finish at last year's SMAC meet. We have 25 swimmers and divers who are committed to working hard toward our team goal of being the most improved team in the conference. We return a large group of young conference scorers, giving our team a great opportunity to build on our 2022 finish.” Fredenburg said.
Marshall
Coach: Dave Karns (10th season)
Last year: 2-5
Top returners: Kaylyn Konkle, sr.; Maddie Kue, sr.; Alex Winnie, sr.; Emma Morgan, sr.; Hallie Machalka, sr.; Cadynce Rewa, sr.; Jordan Harrell, sr.; Megan McDonald, sr.; Alex Olding, sr.; Maria Dent, Grace Johnson, Claire Thomas, Ava Wagner, Lexi Spencer.
Outlook: The Redhawks have good numbers, and bring back some experience, including a quartet of senior captains in Emma Morgan, Maddie Kue, Hallie Machalka and Cadynce Rewa. As perennial contenders, Marshall still expects to finish in the top half of the league and to be represented at the state meet.
"I am excited about the depth of our team. We have a strong senior class of nine girls that should give us strong leadership. Our team is a nice mix of newer and experienced athletes. We are hoping to become a very deep team in every event, and make a return to the state championship," Karns said.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: 2023 Girls Swim Preview: High expectations for area teams in the pool
