Get to know members of Tahoma HS girls swim and dive team
MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — The Tahoma High School (THS) Girls Swim and Dive Team has developed a reputation for having good swimmers and divers. In the past, you would find this team finishing towards the bottom of their league. But several years back, a transition to success began to occur. Under the guidance of former Head Swim Coach, Dave Wright, and now current Head Swim Coach, Theresa Castaneda, this team has become a dominant team in their league, as well as the state.
Coach Castaneda, a former club, high school, and collegiate swimmer, has been the Head Swim Coach at THS for the past three years. With the help of Assistant Coaches: Trever Gray, Brian Wright and Ashley Lewis, the girls swim and dive team has become one of the more successful teams in the state.
Their success culminated last year when the team had what Coach Castaneda described as a season of big moments. “It started with a dual meet last September against Curtis High School where they won. Then at districts, they won the district meet. This continued to the state meet in November, where they won by over 90 points.”
The goals for the team are to win districts again this year, but also to finish in the top three at state. “The girls would love to hold on to the trophy for a second year,” said Coach. “But they will have to bring it at the state meet.”
Coach Castaneda gives most of the credit for the team’s success to the senior class. “Our team is comprised of 11 seniors (Karis Conklin, Leah Hagen, Makenna Portmann, Emma Schlutt, Riah Heil, Laasya Hammerstrom, Lily Cagle, London Wyckoff, Maddie Rock, Anna Neal, and Brenna Billings). This is more than one-third of our team. We will suffer a huge loss after this season. The seniors are a special group of girls who I adore. These girls know the value of hard work and continually amaze me at what they are able to accomplish. All of the seniors are vital to the success of this team because of their leadership. The underclassmen all look up to them. The captains for this year are: Makenna Portmann, Leah Hagen, and Riah Heil.”
It’s not hard to believe Coach Castaneda’s words about the senior leadership when you hear some of the perspective these young women have!
Emma Schlutt:
“The best advice I have ever been given is that if you really want something, you will make it happen. Oftentimes our biggest goals are the ones we are most afraid of, but that we know will happen if we put in the work. This is the basis of my work ethic. When I have an ambitious goal, I do my best not to back down from it and put in the work to get as close to achieving that goal as possible.”
“… each practice and each day should be treated as a masterpiece. The work that you put in and everything you do should be one more paint stroke to the artwork that you are striving to create. And at the end of the practice or the end of the day, you should reflect on that masterpiece and give yourself credit for what you have accomplished.”
Riah Heil:
“It’s not all about you, it’s a team effort and you compete as a team. You are just a part of that and you matter, but it’s a team”
“It’s just a race, so have fun!”
Makenna Portmann:
“Growing up my parents taught me to be a leader, not a follower. That piece of advice has led me to be team captain. I also speak up for my team at school, not many people know about the swim team since it’s not a very popular sport, but I try my best to make us known.”
“One of my most influential coaches taught me that there is so much more than swimming fast that makes a good teammate, a lot of it has to do with attitude. I try my best to implement that at Tahoma. I believe that kindness towards all my teammates helps create a more positive atmosphere, which helps everyone enjoy their time on the team more.”
London Wyck:
“I happen to be legally blind, which is somewhat the reason I got into swim. It’s just normal for me, so I’m always able to get around any challenge I might face. My team(s) have always been super supportive and helpful. Can’t see the clock during practice? I have my lane mates to tell me what it says, not to mention when… come to think of it, you don’t really need to see to swim.”
“Cheering for others and bringing the team spirit with me to every meet, helps me do better overall. It’s like I’m not just racing for myself, I’m racing for the team.”
Coach Castaneda is extremely proud of the team. “They are an incredible force that no one can touch. They are fun and goofy at times, but know when to work hard. This is truly a special group of girls. They are a once in a lifetime team!”
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
Coach Castaneda: I want them to be better people. I got so much out of swimming when I was their age. I learned about disappointment, how to set goals, how to win with grace, how hard work pays off, and how having fun and being a little silly takes the stress away. Being on a team is important, but the life lessons that go along with this sport are huge.
The THS Girls Swim and Dive Team has a bright future, not only for the remainder of this season, but in the years to come.
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