The El Molino swim team has a new look and direction this season under first-year head coach Taylor Ploy, looking to compete well in the newly aligned North Bay League Redwood Division.
For the first time in memory, the Lions won’t square off with west county rival Analy, but instead will compete with the likes of Healdsburg, Piner, Cardinal Newman and Rancho Cotate.
Although El Molino will be challenged with a roster of 17 and a lack of overall depth among it varsity ranks, the team will boast some of the top individual swimmers in the NBL.
“We have the smallest team in our league, so it will be tough to compete against many of them with bigger numbers,” Ploy said. “But it’s been encouraging so far because this team has a great attitude, and our seniors have been very supportive of our young freshmen.”
A lifelong swimmer and coach who hails from Pittsburgh, Pa., the first-year head coach brings a renewed excitement and enthusiasm to the program, with tangible goals set for the season.
“Overall, I’m looking for my freshmen to learn all the strokes and for our seniors to improve their times from previous seasons,” Ploy noted.
Returning leaders for the varsity boys are seniors Jon Paneno, who excels in the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley (IM), and Andrew Liput, a 50 and 100 freestyle specialist.
Filling out the boys squad are Grant Feige, Jose Padilla, Kaeden Dick, Stephan Bullard and Strider Risley.
Returning to assume a leadership role for the varsity girls are seniors Riley Schondel (100 breaststroke, 200 IM) and Holly Stoful (500 freestyle).
Rounding out the girls team are Alina Saunders, Ardenne “Chevy” Chevrolet, Emma Feige, Fay McNamara, Justine Farley, Lily Kienlen, Siena Montiel and Yudonny Garcia-Lopez.
Margaret Pedersen will serve as the Lions’ assistant coach.
The Lions opened the season on March 14 in a dual meet with Cardinal Newman (no scores reported) and will resume league action on Thursday, March 28, when they host visiting Piner at Ives Pool at 3:30 p.m.
