NTL GIRLS SWIMMING: INFLUX OF YOUTH HAS ATHENS COACH EXCITED FOR 2019-20 (2020-01-08)
Valley Sports ReportATHENS "” Athens returns a strong core of swimmers from a 7-3 team, but it's a crop of newcomers that has coach Shauntel Place excited heading into the 2019-20 season.
(Athens opens its dual meet season today against Sayre.)
"We have a good group of District qualifiers returning, and a strong freshman class," said Athens coach Shauntel Place. "We are working toward a top-four finish at Districts."
The Lady Wildcats return six District 4 qualifiers in seniors Lauren Neville and Christina Bard, junior Allyson Rockwell, and sophomores Brooke Kopatz, Raven Gardner, and Taylor, who also qualified for States and finished 23rd in the 1-meter diving competition.
"Taylor Walker went to States for diving her first year out," said Place. "She should be accompanied this year by freshman Allison Thoman."
Also returning are seniors Isabelle Menard and Abby Gifeisman, juniors Kaitlin Kisner, Makenna Galvin, and Katie Lynch, and sophomores Maggie Miller, Kaylee Grazul, and Hannah Walker.
Place also welcomes a much-anticipated freshman class consisting of Taegan Williams, Taylar Fisher, Audrey Clare, and Allison Thoman.
"We have been waiting for this group of girls for a few years," said Place. "Most of these girls have swam for WAAC and have been waiting to get to the varsity team.
Freshman swimmers hope to have some records fall with Taegan Williams and Taylar Fisher," she added.
"”"”"”"”"”"”
IN PHOTO: Athens sophomore Brooke Kopatz.
