Highlands High School Swimming 2025 Winter Season Recap: Leadership, Milestones, and Momentum
As the curtain closed on the 2025 winter swimming season at Highlands High School, Head Coach Merchal Jones had every reason to be proud of his team’s journey. It was a season marked by individual milestones, resilient leadership, and growing enthusiasm for the sport. Though small in numbers, the team showed heart, grit, and improvement in and out of the pool, setting the stage for an exciting future.
A Season of Growth and Achievement
When asked about the overall arc of the season, Coach Jones summed it up in one word: "good." And while modest on the surface, that one-word answer masks the depth of progress and determination his team displayed over the months of training and competition. Whether it was the intensity of daily practice, the quiet victories in personal bests, or the energy at key meets, this season represented a clear step forward for the Highlands swimming program.
At the center of that progress was senior swimmer Nathaniel Balberde, who emerged as the team’s cornerstone athlete.
Nathaniel Balberde: The Breakthrough Leader
For Coach Jones, one name stood out when reflecting on contributions and development: Nathaniel Balberde. As the team’s standout swimmer, Nathaniel was not only a competitor to watch but also a leader whose growth symbolized the heart of the season.
The highlight of his performance came in a defining moment when he broke the elusive 23-second barrier in the 50-yard freestyle. For any sprinter, this benchmark is a significant achievement that reflects both elite speed and technical execution. It was a performance that electrified the team and reinforced just how high the ceiling is for swimmers within the Highlands program.
But Nathaniel's contributions went far beyond the stopwatch. As the season progressed, he evolved into a dependable leader and set the tone for younger swimmers through his work ethic and consistency. Whether pushing through challenging practices or competing in pressure-packed heats, he was a steady presence and a motivating force.
Responding to Challenges: The Senior Spirit
Like any competitive team, the Highlands swim squad faced its share of adversity—from injuries and illnesses to the natural ups and downs of a demanding schedule. According to Coach Jones, it was the "next man up" attitude, led by the senior class, that helped the team navigate those hurdles.
This mentality ensured that the team remained competitive even when faced with unexpected setbacks. It wasn’t about any one swimmer—it was about stepping up for the team, filling in where needed, and doing whatever it took to maintain momentum. The seniors played a crucial role in maintaining this mindset, showcasing determination and leadership as the cornerstones of their contribution.
Whether encouraging underclassmen, keeping morale high after tough races, or adjusting to lineup changes at meets, the seniors showed what it means to lead by example.
Defining Moments and Milestones
Nathaniel’s sub-23-second 50-yard freestyle wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a turning point for the season. Achievements like these have ripple effects. They inspire teammates to push harder and signal that the program is developing athletes who can compete at high levels.
While team wins are always celebrated, individual milestones like Nathaniel's serve as proof that consistent training, coaching, and commitment pay off. It also demonstrated to younger athletes and incoming swimmers what is possible through hard work and focus.
The Future: Building Momentum and Growing the Team
With the season now behind them, Coach Jones is already looking ahead—and he's excited about the direction the program is heading. One of the most promising developments this season was a renewed interest in the sport among the student body. As performances like Nathaniel’s gain attention and respect, more students are becoming curious about joining the swim team and seeing what they can achieve.
“We're starting to see more interest,” Coach Jones said. “That’s a huge step forward for a program like ours.”
For a high school team, growth in numbers can dramatically change the dynamic of a season. It brings more competition to practices, more options at meets, and more opportunities to form a deeper, more well-rounded roster.
That’s why Coach Jones is setting one primary offseason goal: to increase the numbers. Whether it's recruiting multi-sport athletes, encouraging club swimmers to join the high school team, or reaching out to underclassmen with untapped potential, growing the roster is priority number one.
Offseason Focus and Program Development
The offseason won’t just be about growing the roster—it’ll also be a time for technical development, strength training, and goal-setting. With a strong foundation laid this year, Coach Jones believes the returning swimmers can take a major leap forward with the right training.
The coaching staff will be encouraging athletes to stay active through club swimming or cross-training and to maintain the discipline they've developed during the school season. Returning swimmers will also be looked at to carry on the leadership legacy left by the seniors, especially in mentoring new athletes and reinforcing a team-first culture.
In short, the pieces are in place to build something special.
A Foundation for the Future
This season at Highlands wasn’t just about final times or team standings—it was about establishing a culture of accountability, improvement, and passion for swimming. The leadership of the seniors, the breakout performance of Nathaniel Balberde, and the renewed interest from potential swimmers have created momentum that Coach Jones is eager to build upon.
With continued investment in the program, both from athletes and the broader school community, there’s no limit to what Highlands swimming can achieve in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season was, in many ways, a transition year for Highlands High School swimming—a year where the team found its identity and laid the groundwork for future success. Nathaniel’s achievements inspired his teammates, the seniors left a culture of resilience and leadership, and the program began to generate the kind of buzz that sparks real growth.
And while Coach Jones keeps his responses humble and focused, his vision is clear: build a stronger, deeper, and more competitive team that can represent Highlands with pride and passion.
The future of Highlands swimming is bright, and the 2025 season was just the beginning.
For team stats and performance data, visit the Hy-Tek results database or contact the Highlands High School athletics department.
Share With