As the new season approaches for the Sunny Hills High School swim team, head coach Sergio Dorrego is feeling confident and excited about his team's potential. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented new additions, the team has set their sights on achieving their ultimate goal – practicing and executing in races the way they do in training.
Returning to lead the girls' team are Samantha Burgess, a senior and the fastest sprinter in the Freeway league, and Eden Buell, who provides invaluable support in sprinting events. Eveline Grannis, a sophomore, is expected to dominate in distance events and non-freestyle events. Mia Carley, a senior, also stands out for her versatility in being able to swim any event with excellence.
On the boys' side, senior Daniel Kim and junior Miles Kim are two of the team's fastest sprinters and key contributors in any event they are put in. Cheney Mo, a sophomore, has displayed great consistency and was rewarded as Rookie of the Year last season. Liam Weinreich, a junior, has shown outstanding abilities in both sprints and breaststroke, earning him the co-MVP title last year.
But it's not just about the returning players – Coach Dorrego has his eye on some new talents that he believes will make an immediate impact on the team. Freshman Isabella Zia, a club swimmer, has impressed with her times and is expected to be a major asset to the team. Sophomore Ricardo Garcia, who excelled in the froshsoph team last year, is ready to take on the challenge of competing at the varsity level.
And senior Zachamiah Garcia, who was previously a water polo player, has joined the swim team and is already proving to be a fast and strong competitor. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Dorrego believes that leaders are not named, they are shaped through practice and take the lead on their own.
Instead, he focuses on building strong team chemistry and camaraderie among all team members. This is achieved through encouraging athletes to cheer for one another during races, which not only creates a supportive team environment but also makes swim meets more enjoyable for everyone. Motivating his players to give their best is something Coach Dorrego takes seriously.
He believes in giving verbal positive reinforcement before, during, and after races, as well as during practice. This positive reinforcement helps boost his players' confidence and inspires them to push themselves to their full potential.
Share With