With a relatively inexperienced squad, the Park Hill girls’ swimming team will be relying on its top-two returning state qualifiers – along with four seniors – this winter.
Out of the senior class, Estelle Alexander will be graduating at semester and Mia Hamilton is competing for the first time this year, while Ann Costanzo and Lani Brott will being back experience. Sophomore Ava Hughbanks is the Lady Trojans’ top returning scorer from last year after being a state qualifier in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard butterfly, while junior Avery Whalen was on a state relay team.
“We are fairly inexperienced this year,” Park Hill head girls’ swimming coach Karl Haley said. “We have a lot of athletes that participate in the summer league programs, but not as many year-round club swimmers as usual.”
All of Park Hill’s divers are new to the team and to the sport. The Lady Trojans will be looking at Hughbanks and Whalen for leadership.
“We are definitely a work in progress. With Hughbanks’ club experience, she will be our most competitive individual. There will be a lot of opportunities for swimmers to find a spot on a state relay,” Haley said.
Sophomore Karis Barton is someone that the Lady Trojans are relying on to take the next competitive step. Coach Haley told the Platte County Citizen that she made a ton of progress in her freshman year as Park Hill is looking for ways to make it back to state.
“We always are looking for improvement as the season progresses, both individually and as a team. We’re always trying to compete for a conference championship and to get as many individuals as possible to the state championship meet,” Haley said.