Los Gatos High School Swimming & Diving 2024 Season Preview(CA)

The Los Gatos High School swim and dive team has a lot to look forward to this season, with a strong group of 30 seniors leading the way. With 35 returning varsity athletes, including 12 who have competed in the Central Coast Section (CCS) in 2023 and 4 who have competed in the CIF State Championships in 2023, the team has a wealth of experience and talent. To give us a preview of what's to come for the Wildcats this season, we spoke with Coach Jim Deming about the team's goals, strengths, and preparations for the upcoming season. When asked about the team's main goal for the season, Coach Deming emphasized the importance of personal best times for every athlete, saying, "Our goal is for everyone to achieve their personal best times this season." This mindset shows the team's focus on individual growth and improvement, rather than just winning meets. With so many returning varsity athletes, the team has a strong foundation to build upon. However, the addition of 3 freshmen to the varsity team based on their impressive time trials sets the stage for even more success. Coach Deming expects all 3 freshmen to make valuable contributions to both individual events and relays. At the helm of the team are the captains, Karissa Elliott, Karly Frangieh, Max Reese, Connor Sullivan for swimming, and Ava Lazovsky for diving. According to Coach Deming, they were chosen because they embody what the Los Gatos High School swim and dive team is all about. These individuals not only excel in the pool but also display leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to the team. Creating goals and striving to achieve them is a crucial aspect of the Los Gatos swim and dive team's culture. Coach Deming reveals that all athletes are instructed on how to create goals for the season and are encouraged to set challenging goals that push them to be their best selves. This dedication to personal growth and progress is what makes the team stand out. Competing in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League - De Anza Division, the Wildcats face some of the fastest teams in CCS. Coach Deming views every meet as a test of the team's abilities and an exciting competition. This challenging league provides a great opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and continue to improve throughout the season. As the season progresses, mental preparation becomes increasingly important.