Good News: Grain Valley Swim & Dive wrap up season with strong showing at State

Grain Valley News staff

The Grain Valley Girls swim and dive team capped off a stellar season at State competition last weekend, bringing home some medals and the motivation to continue to build on the young team’s success.

Grain Valley Swim and Dive coach Julie Reilly is proud of her team’s accomplishments this season.

“We had a great season. There were constant PR’s (personal records) – which is great to see. We are a small team, and it’s very difficult for us to win a meet because we don’t have the depth. But we can win almost every single event (in a meet),” Reilly said.

The great news for the team is that they are young and not losing many due to graduation, and there’s plenty of opportunity for growth.

“This year, we had some new divers. They’re getting on the board now and next year I expect to see them participate in harder meets,” Reilly said.

Winter weather did not help out much this season, with a few meets canceled due to inclement weather. But Reilly said the girls stayed focused and their hard work paid off at State.

“They practiced hard and I am just so proud of them. They hung on and did great.”

In State competition last weekend, the team placed 13th out of 41 teams. Kalli Beard placed 6th in the  50 free and broke her own school record. Beard also placed 11th in the 100 Fly.

The relay team of Kalli Beard, Riley Wade, Ellie Martin, and Katelyn Epple placed 8th in the 200 Free and 13th place in the 400 Free.

Ellie Martin broke her record at State in 200 IM, placing 12th. Martin also placed 15th in the 500 Free.

Katelyn Epple set a new school record on the 100 Free, placing 16th. Epple placed 21st in the 200 Free.

Riley Wade broke her own school record in the 100 Breaststroke, placing 26th at State.

Emily Holzwarth placed 28th at State in the 100 backstroke.

​The swim and dive team will be instructing the next generation of swimmers in March as they sponsor swim lessons at the Blue Springs South Aquatic Center. Funds raised from the program benefit the swim and dive program. See flyer below for details and a QR code to register.
 

Four medalists from last weekend's State competition (left to right): Kalli Beard, Riley Wade, Ellie Martin, and Katelyn Epple. Photo credit: Grain Valley Swim and Dive

Kalli Beard placed 6th in the  50 free and broke her own school record. Beard also placed 11th in the 100 Fly. Photo credit: Grain Valley Swim and Dive

The Grain Valley Girls Swim and Dive team wrapped up a successful season with a trip to State last weekend. Photo credit: Grain Valley Swim and Dive