BATTLE CREEK – Everybody is already in the pool as the 2025 high school girls swimming season is underway.
The city teams are already making a big splash for this season and will want to be hitting their stride by the time of the annual All-City Championship, set for Sept. 13. Lakeview won it last year for the seventh year in a row and 20th time in the past 22 years.
The goal is to be ready by the time the postseason comes around with league championships on the line and the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Finals, set for Nov. 21-22.
MORE: Vote for Battle Creek Enquirer Preseason Girls Swimmer or Diver of the Year
Here’s a closer look at the area girls swim teams:
Battle Creek Central
Coach: TiAirra Ashley-Wheeler (2nd season)
Top returners: Tatianna Johnson; Bryn Hall
Outlook: The Battle Creek Central is in its second season under head coach TiAirra Ashley-Wheeler. The former head coach Sequoia Farrell-Williams has stayed on as an assistant to help with the transition. The Bearcats continue to try and rebuild its program as it deals with lack of numbers on the roster. The Bearcats are in a co-op with Pennfield and St. Philip in an attempt to get more athletes on the team. Captains Bryn Hall and Tatianna Johnson return to give the Bearcats leadership.
“Given the limited size of our team, our objectives are practical. We have a determined group of athletes in pursuit of individual accomplishments; We are simultaneously steadfast in our commitment to develop and fortify our team following the departure of several key athletes,” Ashley-Wheeler said.
Harper Creek
Coach: Chad Wager (2nd season)
Top returners: Ella Laupp, Callie Slayton, Jayden Aceituno, Sophia Jerome, Megan Cook, Raigen Baker, Olivia Hensell, Adalynn Lamberson, Camryn Lucero, Kayla Miller, Ryanne Rippinger, Kelly Romel, Amaya Slayton, Samantha Stewart.
Outlook: Chad Wager, a longtime swimming coach in the area, took over the Harper Creek girls program last season and saw immediate success, with an impressive group qualifying for the Division 3 state meet. Leading the way will be a talented sophomore in Ella Laupp, who was the team’s top scorer last year as a freshman. Others who qualified for the state meet, include Callie Slayton, Jayden Acietuno and Megan Cook.
“This year’s goal is to perform as a team. Support each other throughout the season. Swimmer’s need to know they are trying to improve their individual goals and at the same time do what needs to be done as a team to be successful. We have a talented young team that we are hoping to build on from last year,” Wager said.
Lakeview
Coach: Andy Fredenburg (4th season)
Top returners: Adia Wielenga, Almendra Felix, Raegan Magnus, Josie Pawlowicz, Keira Byrd, Lily Collins, Mia Schuemann.
Outlook: Lakeview is excited about the experience returning for the 2025 season as well as a talented group of newcomers that should give the Spartans some depth. Leading the way are state qualifiers from a year ago, including Raegan Magnus, Almendra Felix, Josie Pawlowicz and Adia Wielenga. Fourth-year head coach Andy Fredenburg is looking for other key returning seniors to step up and show in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference meet and beyond, giving the Spartans key leadership, including Zoe Brizendine, Anya Foljahn, Allison Lajoie, Madison Lancaster and Nomi Sung.
“The Lady Spartans are off to a strong start this season – showing up every day with energy, commitment, and hard work,” Fredenburg said.
Marshall
Coach: Dave Karns (12th season)
Top returners: Maria Dent, Claire Thomas, Ava Wagner, Lindsay Miller, Courtney Olding, Payton Huffman, Allie Munson, Kate Fedders, Kate Robinson, Autumn Sanchez, Lexi Spencer.
Outlook: The Redhawks swimming program has a solid senior class, including captains Maria Dent, Allie Munson and Claire Thomas. Marshall had just one swimmer qualify for the state meet a year ago, but with improved depth, the Redhawks are hoping to take a larger group to the finals this season. Seniors Lindsay Miller, Courtney Olding, Lexi Spencer and Ava Wagner, along with sophomores Kate Fedders, Katie Robinson and Autumn Sanchez hope to give Marshall the ability to compete in the Southwestern & Central Conference.
“We have a strong sophomore and senior class. We are hoping to compete at the top of the SCC and qualify for the state meet at the end of the Year. We have a strong group of captains and we should grow a great deal during the season,” Karns said.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: 25 athletes to watch, what to know about Battle Creek-area girls swim teams this fall
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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