Girls swimming: Stevenson enters as defending state champs, but Hinsdale Central, STCN, Barrington among experienced teams chasing

The IHSA girls swimming season is in full swing.

Stevenson is leading the pack after winning the state team title last season, while St. Charles North, Rosary, New Trier and Hinsdale Central rounded out the top five teams.

Barrington, which finished in 35th place, is aided by the return of all of its top contributors from last season, sparked by senior diver lla Yang, who finished ninth overall at the state meet scoring the team points. 

Lizzie Williams, a returning junior, who specializes in mid distance freestyle, is returning state qualifier in the 200 and 500 freestyle. Eva Wetzel, a returning junior, is looking to build on a very strong summer. Ingrid Coonrad is a returning senior, who will look to add solid contributions to the team through mid distance and distance free events. Maddie Pinchot and Gwen Quintanar are looking to contribute their personal best work this season in the sprints and really enhance our team's performance in the relay domains.

Stevenson is looking to make waves this season due to the return of Aria Grossenbach, a Louisville recruit and the reigning state champ in the 50 and 100 freestyle. University of Chicago commit Claire Wang and University of Massachusetts (Amherst) pledge Vanessa Miecznikowski are also back.

“We still have a strong core that returns with the addition of some athletes who have made big moves in the club season,” Stevenson coach Ayrton Kasemets said. “Even though we have some star swimmers returning, the strength of our team is in the group as a whole.”

Hinsdale Central is fueled by several college bound seniors, namely Lilia Barber (Missouri) and Sarah Pelinkovic (Iowa), while senior Karina Miller, junior Norah Seraphin and sophomores Kara Brady and Nicole Sun comprise a talented group of swimmers.

“We are returning nearly all of the squad that finished fifth in state last year,” Hinsdale Central coach Bob Barber said. “We hope to improve upon that finish as well as win at West Suburban Conference championship. Our varsity squad is balanced and features a strong senior group along with two new freshmen in Krystna Patha and Chloe Hernandez and returning state qualifiers Laila Miceli and junior Avery Warren.”

Naperville Central is happy to welcome back a strong group of swimmers and divers. Returning state participants include seniors Lexi Goldstone and Maddie Saccameno and juniors Molly Moore and Lily Wolski.

Fremd is a team with several talented returnees, including Ellie Patla (second in 100 free, third in 200 free), Mihika Tillu (eighth in diving), Sophia Pentchev (12th in 100 fly, 14th in medley relay, 15th in 200 free relay, fifth in 400 free relay), Anna Hinshaw, (14th in medley relay, 15th in 200 free relay, fifth in 400 free relay) and Ellen Hinshaw (fifth in 400 free relay).

“We have an outstanding group of upperclassmen this year, led by our outstanding captains, as well as seniors Addy Newby, Yingsel Atsatsang, and Sophie Chen,” Fremd coach Andrew Kittrell said. “They are supported by strong juniors Serena Palmer and Sophia Penchev, and sophomores Lucy Palarz, Ellen Hinshaw, and Jillian Dahl.”

Wheaton co-op, between Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South, has three returning state qualifiers — sophomores Caroline LeMahieu and Avery Groth and junior diver Elianna Moody who finished in second place at state last year.

“This year we return many talented and dedicated swimmers and divers and are excited to have 11 freshmen on our team,” Wheaton coach Angela Nelson said. “We look forward to seeing their growth over the next four years. We are the biggest team we have been since before the pandemic, so we are excited for the girls to train hard and see their improvements throughout the season.”

Neuqua Valley is a team with several talented returnees, led by Wisconsin recruit Sofia Piater, Carolina Piater, Gabriela Ursa (diver), Taylor Tuch, Bree Pepping, Annika Anderson, Sophie Diorio, Charlotte Lee, Arianna Mintchell, Charlotte Anderson (diver), Elle Fairchild and Rosie Wong.

“The girls have set high standards and goals for themselves this year and continue to push and support each other in and out of the pool,” Neuqua Valley coach Chris Ranallo said.

Rolling Meadows is led by sophomore Naomi Poortinga, a returning school record holder and state medalist. The Mustangs have a large sophomore class with promise and several freshmen slated to contribute.

Downers Grove North graduated a large and successful class of seniors and is looking to lean on underclassmen, including freshman Mia Poland and sophomore Mia Bajramovic to help them compete in the tough West Suburban Silver Conference.

Hinsdale South is anticipating a memorable season, led by Brenna Chan, Jacey Chen and Cam Beringer.

“Coming off of a conference championship win in 2025, our returning athletes are fired up and ready for more,” Hinsdale South coach Beth Walker said. “The future of Hinsdale South swimming is strong with Annie Kadolph, Kayla Quillin, Ella Glasgow and Victoria Dyna in the water.”

Lake Park is coming off of a runner-up finish in the DuKane Conference and a sectional title. The Lancers graduated an impactful group of seniors which included a state finalist, but are looking for seniors Juliette Niemiec and Nicole Brzostowski and junior Chloe Jacklow to help lead the team. Freshmen Boyana Cheyka, Gabriella Graham and Maggie Montiel look to make immediate impacts.

"We are a very different looking team compared to last year, but we have a talented group of freshmen along with some returners that will take a big step up," Lake Park coach Bennet Witteveen said. "We want to stay competitive in a difficult DuKane Conference and make it back to the state meet."

The District Dundee-Crown 300 co-op is looking forward to watching Rachel Johnson compete for individual state titles again. She finished third in 100 back, and fifth in 200 IM last season, as well as bringing back Eliana Niemi, Anastasia Komarova, Olivia Burczynski and Tessa Iverson.

“We have a strong varsity squad composed of mainly seniors and wish to send them off well with a great season while also getting the next group experience at higher levels of competition,” coach Rebecca Olson said.

Crystal Lake South co-op has a lot of depth with returning athletes Olivia Nagaj, Leah Chan, Kendall Kramer, Emma Kosik, Brooklyn Kahn, Eloise Brereton, Isabella Relacion and Kaylie Bostic. The newcomers include Arianna Afanasyeu and Laelyn Begale.

Huntley is a seasoned team, with seniors Alyssa Gooden, Emerson Kim, Kylie Lamberti and Kacey Laput joining sophomore Maggie Glosson.

“The seniors have worked incredibly hard and I know they will continue that as the season progresses, “ Huntley coach Jenna Gaudio said.

St. Charles North is a good shape due to the return of defending state champion in the 100 backstroke Thea Bike and standouts Lu Lu Negro, an Illinois recruit, and Hannah Maksumik. Gabby Egan and Ella Smayda are two divers who are a big part of the program. The North Stars, who finished second in state last year, are also expecting a strong season from Maddie Manny, Rachel Deutmeyer and Sofai Bongiorno.

St. Charles East is a team with several returning standouts. Junior state qualifier Mia Fuscone (50 free) joins sectionals swimmers Lily Englehart and Paige Tripp. Freshmen Claire Lewandowski and Olivia Friedrich (diver) are promising newcomers.

“There is plenty of experience to make a push in their final high school season with some strong new additions with Claire in swimming and Olivia in diving that will make an immediate impact on our team,” St. Charles East coach Adam Musial said.

Bartlett is leaning on Teagan Collins, Sofia Sekkat, Kaylee Olson and Kaitlin Albertson.

“Losing so many seniors last season was tough, but we have had several girls step up in training who are looking to establish a new identity for this team,” Bartlett coach Michael Manalansan said.

West Aurora has two seniors — Addison Wadle and Josephine Welsch — returning aiming to finish their careers on a strong note.

Warren has 10 underclassmen comprise the majority of the roster, with talented sophomores Alexis Kiriakopoulos and Ava Chiapetta leading the way. Kiriakopoulos is a returning state qualifier in the 100 breaststroke, finishing 16th, and coming off a strong summer. Senior captain Anna Beaman is a swimmer to watch in the 500 freestyle.

“We have a great group of girls who are willing to work hard and support each other,” Warren coach Samantha Korstanje said. “There is a lot of potential within this team, and I am excited to see how much we can grow throughout the season.”