John F. Kennedy High School Swimming/Diving Season Preview

As another spring season rolls around, the John F. Kennedy High School swim team is gearing up for an exciting and competitive year ahead. We spoke with Coach Eric Corona to get a preview of what we can expect from the team this season. Coach Corona's goals for the team this year are clear - to strive for success at the Empire League and to make it to CIF. But more importantly, he wants the team to come together as a family and support each other in their individual and collective growth. The key to achieving these goals, according to Corona, lies in hard work and determination. The team's top returning players from last season are Aira Takeuchi and Aiden Tu. Both swimmers are known for their strong work ethic and impressive talent in the pool. Along with these seasoned players, Coach Corona also has high hopes for freshman Natalie Umpornpuckdi, who he believes will make an immediate impact on the team. When it comes to selecting team captains, Corona believes in letting the players take on the leadership role. He looks for commitment and a desire to improve the team in potential captains, and encourages open communication among all team members to foster a strong sense of camaraderie. Speaking of team chemistry, Coach Corona emphasizes the importance of cheering each other on and supporting one another. He wants his players to view each other as a family, and this bond will not only lead to a more enjoyable season but also to better performance in the pool. Motivating players to push themselves to their full potential can be a challenge, but Coach Corona never doubts his players' abilities and constantly encourages them to reach for their goals. He believes that a positive mindset and a focus on mental strength can make all the difference in a sport where every fraction of a second counts. Preparing for this season has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for Coach Corona has been getting the team back in the water after their off-season break. However, with determination and hard work, he believes his team will quickly regain their strength and be ready to compete. The team's schedule this season is filled with challenging meets, and while there is no specific opponent Coach Corona is looking forward to facing, he is excited to see his team give their all and have fun while doing it. In terms of coaching style, Coach Corona has shifted his focus to developing his players rather than just focusing on yardage.