Girls Swimming Previews: McNamara, Williams lead Region teams
Lauren McNamara and Annabelle Williams are friends and state champions.
Last year, McNamara defended the state title she won in the butterfly the year before while Williams ruled the 200-yard freestyle at the Division 3 state finals.
For their accomplishments, they shared the Monroe County Region Girls Swimmer of the Year Award.
Girls Swimmer of the Year: State champions share award
Girls State Swimming Finals: McNamara, Williams bring home championships
Both are back for the 2023 season and poised to do big things in the pool.
McNamara is a senior at Flat Rock and Williams is ready for her final season at Milan.
Those two lead a talented group of swimmers and divers at nine Monroe County Region schools.
BEDFORD
Coach: Holly Scheffer, fourth year.
Top performers: Seniors Alexa Fuleky, Gabby Pisanti, Madison Walker, Jordan Brabbs, Paula Breuer; juniors Mia Tennant, Annabelle Hill, Gabby Dutridge; sophomores Lilly Landolt, Izzy Rischman, Lindsey Andrews; freshmen Peyton Prielipp, Laila Villa, Ashlyn Williams, Taylor Sadoski.
Season outlook: Alexa Fuleky and Gabby Pisanti are back after taking a year off. Paula Breuer is a German exchange student and cheerleader Lindsey Andrews joined the squad.
Coach's comments: "This is another rebuilding year for us. ... I am excited to lead this team this season. We are working on our team bonding to carry us through the difficult days of training."
DUNDEE
Coach: Sarah Eubanks, ninth year.
Returning state qualifiers: Joslyn Ball, Kaylee Imo, Sara Carter.
Other top performers: Brook Hester, Kaylee Desbrough, Natalie Bron, Lily Ratliff, Lily Homrich; freshmen Alexis Colby, Allie Federer.
Season outlook: The Vikings hope to contend for the Southeast Michigan Independent Swimming League title and qualify all three relays for the state finals.
Coach's comments: "We have a young team this year. Hoping the new athletes can learn from the veterans."
ERIE MASON-IDA
Coach: Sacha Moore, sixth year.
Top performers: Seniors Riley Jacobs, Mia Balcerzak, Jessica Lay, Summer Smith, Sophia Sorg.
Season outlook: Jacobs has been the team's top point winner for the past three years. The Eagles have 18 on the team, including seven seniors. Every swimmer from last year except one returns this season.
Coach's comments: "We have a lot of potential as a team, with another year of amazing ladies. It's so nice to have a group of hard-working swimmers and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish as a team by the end of the season."
FLAT ROCK
Coach: Shannon McNamara, fourth year.
Returning state qualifiers: Senior Lauren McNamara.
Other top performers: Juniors Sophia Chan, Felicia Morrison; sophomores Riley Chevalier, Ashlin Woodman; freshmen Kyle Balogh, Aileen McNamara, Elizabeth Sparks.
Season outlook: McNamara will have more talent around her this season. The team has a goal to qualify a relay for state.
Coach’s comment: "This is the team's fourth season, and our numbers continue to grow. This will be our largest team so far. I cannot wait to see what these girls accomplish together."
MILAN
Coach: Dan Heikka, 20th year.
Returning state qualifiers: Annabelle Williams Kam Stripp, Kiera Luhrs, Krista Cook, Lila McKenna, Mary Kate Wayne, Sara Mitchell.
Other top performers: Laila Nemeth, Hannah Brady, Sarah Monroe, Megan McChesney.
Season outlook: The Big Reds were undefeated in dual meets, won the Monroe County championship and its 23rd straight Huron League championship then finished third in the state last season.
Coach’s comment: "We are inexperienced in some areas, but have girls working hard to contribute and fill spaces in our lineup."
MONROE
Coach: Erin Dowen, second year.
Top performers: Senior Lauren Lahna; sophomores Nicole Rykse, Abby Dieckmann, Delani Willey; freshmen Madison Mahoney, Sophia Smith.
Season outlook: Nine of the 12 girls on the team are freshmen and sophomores.
Coach's Comment: "We have a bit more depth this year and several of the girls worked very hard in the offseason. We have some great athletes that are ready to try their best to improve."
NEW BOSTON HURON
Coach: Jason Snyder, first year.
Top performers: Seniors Olivia Feldpaush, Elyse McGunagle, Lucy Snyder; juniors Lilian McGunagle, Ella Feldpauh, Whitney Hertza; sophomores Jenna Nieman, Isabella Maitland.
Season outlook: Huron is swimming as a co-op with Taylor and will practice and hold meets there. The team features a lot of freshmen and new swimmers.
Coach’s comment:s “As a first-time coach, with many years in the swim and dive world, I am very proud to be coaching such a great bunch of girls. They are each other's biggest fans."
SMCC
Coach: Gretchen Bylow, sixth year.
Top performers: Seniors Maya Zaleski, Monika Burkardt, McKenzie Kidd, Kaylee Kamprath.
Season outlook: The Kestrels have their biggest team in Bylow's tenure as coach.
Coach's comments: "I’m looking forward to some exciting meets."
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Girls Swimming Previews: State champions back to defend titles
