One team that strives to win the state championship more than most is Xavier College Prep’s swim & dive.
Despite a great season last year, the team was state runners-up but is determined to reach the top for the 2026 season.
The last time the team won the state championship was in 2024. Now, two years later, the team is working hard to prove its ability to regain this title.
Last year the team stormed through its season undefeated. All of its dual meets and invites were won by the Gators.
During the season, however, Xavier’s team did not encounter Desert Vista. After seeing the Thunder for the first time at state, Xavier lost, ending the undefeated season, and taking home the runner-up title.
Without the support of the head coach, Glen Coy, it is unsure where the team would be. Captain Emma Ferguson ‘27 notes how great of a person and coach he is, as well as assistant coach David “Smitty” Smithers.
Kaitlyn McCoy ‘18, an English teacher and coach on the swim team, notes how the team is not making many changes this year. According to McCoy, the season went so well last year that there are not many errors to fix.
She added that Jeff Seaquist, a returning coach, is a great new addition to the team. Under Seaquist’s coaching 20 years ago, the Xavier swim & dive team completed season after season defending a championship title.
In addition to Ferguson, Aaliyah Minks ‘27, Victoria Larson ‘27, and Neeya Nuez ‘27 are all this year’s team captains. McCoy acknowledges how all the coaches are very pleased with their performances this year.
“Life isn’t a race, but a marathon,” said Ferguson. As a captain, she sees that the freshwomen and new swimmers are looking to be great new additions for the team, that the team is working unimaginably hard and they have “strength in numbers.”
Minks sees her team’s positive energy and notes that they have a great chance at winning state this year. She says if they continue to push each other while having fun, the team has a chance to win the championship.
