Just two days before the school year began, the girls swim and dive team competed in its first meet at Battle Creek Lakeview. Planning to participate in over 15 meets this season, the girls have a busy schedule but are ready for the challenge.

Junior Rachael Yeager has been on the team for the past three years. She is a crucial part of the girls diving team, as she placed 16th in the state last year. 

“I’m excited to see how the whole team comes together,” Rachael said. “Especially with our new freshman and new dive coach.”

A new season means many new changes for the athletes; with over a third of the girls being freshmen, a lot of work is needed to be done to prepare the team for this year. Luckily for them, they added a new dive coach to the roster. Head diving coach Joe Mish is beginning his first year leading the team. As a young coach, he is still learning a lot, but the team has high hopes.

“He is very understanding,” senior Payton Dailey said. “I am able to participate in a varsity sport along with Improv Central.” 

As the only senior on the diving team, Payton is looking forward to an amazing year and making good relationships with the underclassmen.

“Even though the reason we are together is to be successful in our sport,” Payton said, “our team also brings great joy in being people and friends along with building good relationships with each other.”

Although the team conference standings are looking rough due to the lack of individuals on the roster between the swimmers and divers, individually the Lady Rangers are looking strong. Several girls, including senior Sydney VanLente, sophomore Kayla Quach, and Rachael Yeager, are expected to make it far this year.

After the girls faced some tough losses in non-conference meets against Jenison, Hudsonville, and Holland Christian, the team is preparing to dive into its next meet on Thursday, September 8, against a strong Rockford team at the Forest Hills Aquatic Center.