Clark High School Swimming & Diving 2025 Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Grit, and New Beginnings
The 2025 winter swim season at Clark High School marked a year of meaningful progress and positive transformation under the guidance of new Head Coach Andrea Gomez Jackson. In her first year at the helm of the Swimming and Diving program, Coach Gomez Jackson helped the team navigate both challenges and breakthroughs, building a strong foundation for the future of Clark swimming.
From personal bests to regional finals, and from leadership development to team camaraderie, the 2025 season was defined not just by times on a stopwatch but by the commitment and resilience of student-athletes who showed up every day with the will to improve.
Key Contributors Who Set the Tone
Every strong team is built on the shoulders of individuals who lead by example, and Clark was no exception. Carlos Baez del Bosque emerged as a steady force throughout the season, bringing unmatched positivity and consistency to every practice. His ability to score in every meet was instrumental in helping the team secure a crucial dual meet victory.
Meanwhile, Graham Funk proved his versatility and competitive edge by tackling various events with intensity, eventually earning a spot on the A relay at the District Championships—a significant milestone. His adaptability and drive made him a critical asset in high-stakes moments.
Rafael Guerrero was the heartbeat of the team, infusing afternoon practices with infectious energy and making every swimmer feel valued. His development over the season was so pronounced that he’s already being looked to as one of the upcoming team captains—a testament to his leadership growth.
On the girls’ side, Ellison Mandacina quietly but consistently racked up points at every meet, becoming a reliable contributor whose impact went far beyond the scoreboard.
Highs, Lows, and Breakthrough Moments
Reflecting on the season, Coach Gomez Jackson labeled it as “good,” not only because of competitive success but because of the individual progress made by her swimmers. “A lot of the swimmers dropped their times, the majority achieved their goal time, and we had a couple of swimmers swim in a regional final for the first time,” she said.
Among her favorite highlights:
Haley Harris breaking the 26-second barrier in the 50 freestyle at the Regionals Finals—a moment of pride and payoff.
Lilly Dreher dropping two seconds in her 100 breaststroke and nearly tearing up with joy.
The boys' 4x100m freestyle relay, where every swimmer hit a personal best, all clocking near the 50-second mark.
Watching Dylan Faux dominate the 100m backstroke with a stellar performance.
Each of these moments reflected the growth mindset Coach Gomez Jackson sought to cultivate throughout her inaugural season.
Adapting Through Adversity
Not every part of the season was smooth sailing. One of the more difficult stretches came during holiday training, when absences began to take a toll on the team’s morale and cohesion. Yet, it was through this adversity that valuable lessons were learned.
“I think it has shaped the team to become better in the upcoming years,” Coach Gomez Jackson noted, emphasizing the importance of accountability and consistency as cornerstones of future success.
As challenges arose—whether through absences, injuries, or pressure—the team chose introspection over frustration. “The team responded well by analyzing what was wrong and introspecting on what could be done better to create new opportunities,” said Coach Jackson. It’s that kind of reflection that turns short-term setbacks into long-term growth.
The Senior Class: Spirit and Strength
The 2025 senior class, though small in number, had an outsized impact on the culture and spirit of the team. The trio of Jase Wardlow, Ian Engel, Sofia Mercado, and James Martinez brought balance, positivity, and resilience to every practice and meeting.
Even when Ian Engel faced a season-disrupting injury, he remained a fixture at practices, offering support and encouragement. Jase and James, meanwhile, became role models in effort and perseverance. “It was an absolute honor to work with people as dedicated as they are,” said Coach Jackson.
Their presence laid the groundwork for a team culture built on grit and teamwork—qualities that will carry on through the underclassmen they’ve inspired.
Eyes on the Future
With most of the team returning and a better understanding of each swimmer’s unique needs, Coach Jackson is more excited than ever about what lies ahead. “I know what they are working on, and we can build upon their goals and dreams,” she said.
This offseason, the focus shifts to technical refinement and strength development. Many swimmers will continue in summer league or club swimming, and the emphasis will be on improving turns, underwater work, and stroke efficiency—those tiny details that make all the difference in competitive swimming.
“We want them to stay active and get better at the little details,” Coach Jackson explained. This commitment to technical precision will serve the team well when they return in the fall and begin preparations for next season.
Building a Lasting Culture
One of the most encouraging takeaways from Coach Jackson’s first year is the sense of team unity and purpose that she’s worked to build. While her introduction to the team came with a learning curve, it also brought a fresh perspective and a clear vision for what the Clark High School swimming program can become.
“I really enjoyed this season, but I think knowing the athletes now will help me plan a program better adapted to their individual needs,” she said. “I’m excited to keep nourishing the culture I’m starting.”
With a coach who values both competitive success and individual growth, the future of Clark swimming is in capable hands.
Where to Follow Clark Swimming
While Clark doesn’t currently publish detailed stats, fans, friends, and families can stay connected and informed through the team’s official site:
🌐 https://clark.swimtopia.com/
Final Thoughts
The 2025 swim season at Clark High School was about more than just results—it was about process, perseverance, and people. With a strong senior class passing the torch, standout underclassmen rising into leadership roles, and a head coach committed to growth and excellence, the program is set to dive even deeper into success in the years to come.
As Coach Andrea Gomez Jackson continues to shape the future of Clark swimming, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning.
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