After finishing their last league meet on April 24, the boys’ swim team closed out their season in the Cypress Division with a 6-0 record.

Varsity girls placed fourth at Championships, with a record of four wins and three losses. 

Coming into this year with many new swimmers, the team spent most of this season learning, improving, and adjusting to different events. Throughout league meets, the boys were able to stay consistent and continue building on the progress they made earlier in the season.

According to head coach Monica Botello, one of the biggest positives this season was how willing the swimmers were to improve and try new things. “The swimmers have continued to push themselves and improve each meet,” Botello said. “A lot of them came in new to the sport, but they’ve been open to learning and stepping into different events.”

During the league, several swimmers showed strong performances and continued to achieve faster time than previous personal records in their events. 

Senior Joel Castillo also played an important role on the team, helping lead and support newer swimmers while competing in his events. “It’s been a big part of my experience, especially helping younger swimmers improve,” Castillo said. “Seeing everyone get better over the season has been really rewarding.”

Assistant Coach Jenness Kelly said junior Edgar Rivas was one of the team’s top swimmers during the PCAL championships after earning two gold medals, two silver medals, and a personal record in the 50 freestyle. “I didn’t quite expect it,” Rivas said. “I only started last year but it’s making me wish that I did join prior seasons and I do like that I’m getting honored for my performance.” 

Senior Giovanni Siguenza also had a strong performance during championships finishing with two gold medals.

On the girls’ side, Olivia Loera broke the school record in the girls 500 freestyle with a time of 7:22.52. “It was my first time doing the 500 in a competition,” she said. “It was pretty fun but for the 500, it’s not like you have to sprint it so you’re kind of just hanging out.” 

After league, the boys competed in the PCAL championships, where they placed first in their division and finished as league champions. “I was excited,” junior Antonio Ramirez said. “I felt that I kind of knew we were going to win so I was relieved that it did happen.” 

Junior Oscar Hernandez was also happy that they secured the win this year. “It was cool because last year we lost one meet and that’s why we didn’t win PCALs,” Hernandez said. “So it was just cool when we made it and everyone was happy that they won the meet.” 

Their win at PCALs was a testament to the hard work they put in the entire season. “All swimmers were doing their best that day because they wanted to win for PCALs,” Coach Fabian Villanueva said. “I am really proud of all the swimmers this season.” 

Though swimming is a very individual sport, a close knit team is essential to having a successful season. “I think that the boys’ [team] they’re very good as a whole,” Rivas said. “I feel that team support got us 1st place at championship.”