Preparing for the end of the year, Swim invites everyone to their league meet on May 14, 2026.
With Coach Bennet retiring, the girls have gotten closer and have kept their love for the sport. The girls placed 11th at their Apr. 28 meet and plan to improve their times for the state May. 21-23. Hara Del Castillo, with a state consideration time, has a chance to compete.
“I’ve been swimming for my entire life, that’s why I continue the sport,” Del Castillo said.
With the excitement of the end of the season comes change: Coach Bennet is retiring, but he encourages the girls to stay in the sport. Coach Bennet is focused on training the girls before leaving them to the future coach.
“The girls have been doing well and have been working hard,” Bennet said. “We are focused on the rest of the season.”
With Coach Bennet leaving, girls like Mackenzi Caryl and Layla Kriley are sad about his departure. Bennet has impacted the girls, teaching them important lessons and creating a bond with one another.
“I am sad that Bennet is leaving, even though I am not in swim but with dive, he has helped me out the past 4 years,” Caryl said. “My favorite thing is his facial expressions when I come out of the water, telling me if my dive was good or bad.”
Coach Bennet had an impact on the girls’ lives, even just being in the sport. His grumpy persona is shown, but the care behind it is visible. Looking forward to the next season, there is excitement about the new despite the sadness of the Coach leaving.
“I am excited to see what happens next year with the new coach, even if I am sad about a good coach leaving,” Kriley said.
A bittersweet ending to the season isn’t lacking hard work from the swimmers and divers. They keep practicing, having fun together, and working on their weaknesses while keeping up with their strengths.
“I really enjoy swimming, and, sadly, it is ending, but I am focusing on my time and cherishing the time left,” Kriley said.