With a strong senior lineup and two talented transfer students, the girls swimming team plans to build on last season’s momentum.

“Last season was very good, with most swimmers meeting or surpassing my expectations,” said coach Kevin Auger. “We have most of our swimmers returning, including our medley relay that took third place at State.”

Last year’s medley relay team was made up of backstroke Paige Haden,  breaststroke Ana Woods, butterfly Iana Wolff, and freestyle Honore Collins, who are all returning as seniors this season.

“The seniors this year are a really strong group, size and speed wise, so we lead the group well,” said Julia Bartol, a backstroker and one of four co-captains voted for by the team last spring.

Coach Auger is confident in this talented group. “Our best swimmers are our seniors who have big plans for conference, sectionals, and State.”

The Wildkits also gained two promising swimmers in junior Hanna Forbat, who moved from Oklahoma and placed second, third, fourth, and sixth at State this summer competing in USA Swimming meets for ETHS’ club team, Wildkit Swimming Organization.

Additionally, junior Mary Claire D’Arrigo transferred from St. Ignatius. “She is an accomplished sprinter and will help us in the 50 and sprint relays,” said Auger.

Junior and sophomore swimmers are also expected to make big contributions.

“They’ll add to our depth as we take on the State’s elite in dual meets and invitationals before we even get to the end of the year,” explained Auger.

Preparations for the season are just underway, but the girls won’t have to worry about shaking off any rust.

“We all swim on different clubs during off-season, so this week has been the first week back as a team,” said senior Ana Woods. I know that people have been doing well and working hard during the off-season. There is a great outlook for this season.”

So following a season in which the team’s only three losses were to the losses to first, third and fourth teams in state, what’s next?

“Our goal is to place in the top two in the CSL while maybe making a run at New Trier for first,” hopes Auger. “We plan to work hard, have fun, focus on the process, and from that good things will come.”