Strokes of Genius: Meet the Ocala Star-Banner's 2023 All-County Girls Swimming team

Records fell like dominoes when Marion County swimmers jumped into the pool this season. West Port's girls rewrote the relay swimming record books when they took down the 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard Medley relays.

Vanguard’s girls' swim team won the MCIAC championship by 32 points. It was a season to remember, with double-digit swimmers earning a chance to compete at the state meet.

On May 21st, every Athlete of the Year winner will be announced at the MESPY's. We’re announcing our top three finalists with their accolades and feats to hold you over until the big day.

After a long season, it's time to reward the county's top performers for their efforts. Below, you'll find the all-county girls swim team.

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Swimmer of the Year Finalists

Hannah Parkin, Freshman, West Port

The freshman sensation hit the pool, not knowing the county records, but left the pool with three of them. Two records came from relay races, but the final showed her sprinting dominance. Parkin shaved .85 seconds of the 50-yard freestyle set by former swimmer of the year Lea Opdyke in 2022. At the 3A state tournament, Parkin finished seventh in the 100-yard freestyle and 10th in the 50-yard freestyle.

Ashley Sampson, Senior, Forest

Sampson chased state titles and a Futures qualifying time all season. While Sampson didn't win back-to-back state championships in the 500-yard freestyle, she did cut 2.88 seconds off her overall time. The Florida State commit is currently ranked 34th in the state, according to Swim Cloud. Sampson made it to the podium in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle at the 3A state tournament.

Alexandra Stevens, Senior, Trinity Catholic

Stevens earns a spot on our list of finalists thanks to her versatility. She took first place in the 100-yard breaststroke and 2nd in the 200-yard freestyle against a deep field at the Mid-Florida Conference meet. At districts, she took second in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle. Stevens finished in the top in both events at the regional meet, qualifying for the state meet where she focused on the 500-yard freestyle, finishing 11th in class 1A.

1st Team All County

200 Free – Ashley Sampson – SR – Forest – 1:53.16 – 7th at Class 3A State Meet

200 I.M. – Layla Watson – SO – West Port – 2:14.60 – 3rd at Class 4A, Region 1 Meet

50 Free – Hannah Parkin – FR – West Port – 24.03 – 10th at Class 4A State Meet

100 Fly – Erika Opdyke – FR – Trinity Catholic – 1:04.24 – 3rd at Mid Fl Conference Meet

100 Free – Hannah Parkin – FR – West Port – 51.76 – 6th at Class 4A State Meet

500 Free – Ashley Sampson – SR – Forest – 4:56.42 – 2nd at Class 3A State Meet

100 Back – Lillie Anderson – FR – Vanguard – 1:16.19 – 2nd at Mid Fl Conference Meet

100 Breast – Alexandra Stevens – SR – Trinity Catholic – 1:11.25 – 1st at Mid Fl Conference Meet

2nd Team All County

200 Free – Campbell Stever – SO – Vanguard – 1:54.01 – 3rd at Class 2A State Meet

200 I.M. - Erika Opdyke – FR – Trinity Catholic – 2:15.08 – 14th at Class 1A, Region 1 Meet

50 Free – Kathryn Wolfe – SO – West Port – 25.35 – 3rd at Class 4A District 2 Meet

100 Fly – Bethay Allen – SO – West Port – 1:0611 – 24th at Class 4A, Region 1 Meet

100 Free - Alejandra Perez – SO – Trinity Catholic – 58.17 – 2nd at Mid Fl Conference Meet

500 Free – Campbell Stever – SO – Vanguard – 5:02.56 – 3rd at Class 2A State Meet

100 Back – Naomi Gallagher – FR – Forest – 1:20.69 – 10th at Mid Fl Conference

100 Breast – Alejandra Perez – SO – Trinity Catholic – 1:12.87 – 9th at Class 1A, Region 1 Meet

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: All Marion County Girls swim team and swimmer of the year nominees