Although the boys’ swim team lost several key athletes to graduation including star alumni Cameron Borch, Patrick Wang and Sasha Samoilov, new additions to the roster are sure to boost the team’s chances for CCS.
In particular, the he boys will have a new transfer student junior Jack Xie, who is coming from China and swims at a high level in events such as the breaststroke and IM events. On the the girls’ team, key freshmen include Jeanette Khowong and Colina Guan. Khowong is bringing years of swimming experience to the table, making up for lost experience and skill from graduated seniors.
Khowong practices with De Anza Cupertino Aquatics (DACA), rather than the school’s team. This is a common option to take when swimmers have been swimming for a long time and they feel more comfortable with their own clubs rather than with the swimmers from the school team.
“I’m pretty confident about achieving CCS cuts because I have gotten those in past meets,” Khowong said. “I definitely hope to drop times as well.”
Khowong aims to focus mainly on her backstroke this season, training for the 100-yard backstroke event.
“I’m practicing for this season by doing CrossFit with my team and training well with my club,” Khowong said.
No changes have been made to the coaching staff, as coaches Kristen Thomson, Christian Bonner, Trent Larsen and Brett Slayton have all returned this season.
Returning swimmers such as senior Madison Gress are optimistic for the new season and the new talent on the Falcons’ team.
“I think the season is going to be strong since we have a lot of young speed on the girls team,” Gress said. “It’ll be exciting to swim with last year’s freshmen and the new freshmen.”
Gress also said she plans to try to develop her individual cuts for CCS in events like the 100 freestyle.
“I made all four of my CCS cuts last year, but this year I’m hoping to make my individual cuts earlier in the season because I barely made them last year,” Gress said.
With the new talent and returning swimmers to back the team, swimmers are optimistic for a successful season of bonding and improvement.
“It's been great being back in the pool after a winter off from club water polo or swimming and I realized how much I missed it,” Gress said. “Since our team is separated so much in the lanes it can be hard to get to know everyone, but the coaches have been mixing up the lanes a little so I think that has definitely helped with bonding.”