The girls swim team is diving in 2018 after finishing last swim season with its best placing at state since 1999.

The team took the top three in every meet and took fourth at state last year.

With many varsity returners, another high place at state is expected for the Lions.

Some notable returning swimmers include: junior Morgan Jones, junior Maddie Dean, sophomore Marian Frick, sophomore Megan Drumm, junior Emily Guo and junior Jamie Abernathy. The relay team of Dean, Guo, Frick and Drumm won the state title in the 200 medley relay last season.

“I’m really hoping we’ll be able to defend our state title in the relay from last year,” Dean said.

Beyond success in the pool, the girls look to build friendships outside of it.

“I look forward to bonding with the girls that I don’t get to see the rest of the year,’” Dean said.

The Lions are led by Coach Kent McDonald who won coach of the year last year and looks to continue the run of success.

“Right now we’ve got the largest team we’ve ever had,” McDonald said. “That gives us a good chance to do really well.