Girls swimming and diving: Scouting Lake County

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Erik Rogers

Last season: third in North Suburban Conference, second in Vernon Hills sectional

Returning swimmers: Emma Richert (Sr.), Lucy Saucedo (Sr.), Annie Barnett (Sr.), Meredith Robbins (Sr.), Morgan Paul (Sr.), Claire Neuberger (Jr.)

Newcomers: Emma Gleason (Fr.), Paige Rankin (Fr.), Anna Heard (Fr.), Kaylee Short (Fr.), Joelle Ocheltree (Fr.)

Season outlook: The Wildcats return four state qualifiers in Emma Richert (200 freestyle, all 3 relays), Lucy Saucedo (400 freestyle relay), Annie Barnett (200 freestyle relay) and Meredith Robbins (50 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay). Each swimmer has competed at state multiple times. Morgan Paul and Claire Neuberger both made state for diving last fall. Paul is a two-time state qualifier. Libertyville also brings back "lots of veteran talent as well as several talented new freshmen," coach Erik Rogers said.

MUNDELEIN

Coach: Rahul Sethna

Last season: fifth in Vernon Hills sectional

Returning swimmers: Nicolina Bottiglieri (Jr.), Mikayla Gruber (So.), Kate Hay (So.), Casey Kellogg (Sr.), Angela Kordik (So.), Ella Krauss (So.), Abbie Lukas (Jr.), Molly Mishler (Jr.), Cayce Parker (So.), Carolyn Westgate (Jr.), Maggie Franz (Jr.), Audrey Rehm (So.)

Newcomers: Angela Bowes (Fr.), Christine Espinosa (Fr.), Sarah Parduhn (Fr.), Bryce Pauly (Jr.), Nikki Swain (Fr.), Alyssa Valenziano (Fr.)

Season outlook: The Mustangs graduated state-qualifier Tara Lawson (100 backstroke), but two-time state-qualifying diver Maggie Franz returns for her junior season. "We are still a young team, but I am excited to see what we can do this year," coach Rahul Sethna said. "We have a good blend of young veterans and also a good incoming class that should help. Our goal is to be swimming and diving our best in November."

STEVENSON

Coach: Kevin Zakrzewski

Last season: second in North Suburban Conference, second in Barrington sectional

Returning swimmers: Iza Pelka (Jr.), Rachel Song (Sr.), Ashley Carollo (So.), Morgan Bosse (Sr.), Danielle Fang, Mila Wawer, Jessica Lenhart, Eva Holsen

Newcomers: Lucy Stevens (Fr.), Maddie O'Donnell (Fr.)

Season outlook: The Patriots return three of their four swimmers who won the 200 medley relay at the Barrington sectional last year: Ashley Carollo, Danielle Fang and Rachel Song. Iza Pelka qualified for state in the 100 and 200 freestyles. Pelka won the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly in the NSC meet. Song captured the 100 butterfly at the sectional and also swam on the state-qualifying 200 and 400 freestyle relays. "Our goals this season are to win conference and sectionals and to place higher at state than the previous year," coach Kevin Zakrzewski said.

VERNON HILLS

Coach: Kedric Greenawalt

Last season: fourth in Vernon Hills sectional

Returning swimmers: Lilly Hemesath (Sr.), Ellory Longdon (Sr.), Erin Blase (Sr.), Nicole Pinter (Jr.), Alina Goodman (Jr.), Gabriella Muraca (Jr.), Jami Ellen (So.), Drew Petereit (So.), Elizabeth Long (So.), Eliana Schneider (So.), Abby Kamai (So.)

Newcomers: Alexandra Skatchkov (Fr.), Ally Landis (Fr.), Avery Longdon (Fr.), Sophia Phoenix (Fr.), Anya Caples (Jr.), Emilia Pranica (Sr.)

Season outlook: The Cougars are returning a vast majority of all point scorers from last year's team and, as a result, have very high expectations moving into a new conference, the Central Suburban League. Nicole Pinter qualified for state in the 200 freestyle as a sophomore last fall. "Entering the North division, we look to finish toward the top and compete for a CSL North title," coach Kedric Greenawalt said. "In the end, the expectation is to qualify numerous individuals and relays to state."

WARREN

Coach: Chris Bertana

Last season: third in Vernon Hills sectional

Returning swimmers: Courtney Barker (Sr.), Gemma Russell (Sr.), Emily Wong (Jr.), Megan Wong (Jr.), Alyssa Church (So.), Alla McLaughlin (Jr.), Jacky Oehlerking (Jr.), Danielle Glisovich (Jr.), Teagon Albert (Jr.), Alexandra Samonds (Sr.)

Newcomers: Carissa Barker (So.), Carly Baun (Jr.), Jackie Goldman (Jr.), Delaney Jones (Jr.), Emily Miller (Fr.), Elyce Nerheim (So.), Tanvi Ranade (Fr.), Maia Russell (So.), Elizabeth Stingle (So.), Hannah Tarantino (Jr.)

Season outlook: The Blue Devils boast one of the state's best swimmers in senior Courtney Barker, who placed sixth in the 100 backstroke and eighth in the 50 freestyle at state last fall. She has competed at state since her freshman year. Megan Wong and Emily Wong, Alyssa Church give the Blue Devils more top-end talent in the pool.