KENNEBUNK — The Kennebunk girls swimming and diving team is preparing for the upcoming season as defending Southwestern champs.

Kennebunk was highly successful last year, finishing with a perfect 9-0 record and having many individual players highlight the competition.

According to coach Andrew Coulombe, the team is heading into the year feeling confident with where they stand.

“The girls have come into the season excited and ready to work. They understand that in order to reach their goals, they have to continue to work hard and have fun,” said Coulombe.

The team should feel confident considering they have nearly the same team as last year, having only lost one player to graduation.

Coulombe feels that his team is well stocked in talent.

“We return eight scorers from last year’s state meet. Marshall Lowery is returning for her senior season after an incredible junior year in the water. A two-time individual state champion last season in Class A. She will be leading the charge once again this year,” said Coulombe. “Emma Patterson will be a top contender in diving after finishing third last year. Senior Fiona Harms and junior Renee Nichols are swimmers to watch this season as we transition into Class B.”

Other than the returning talent, another element that will contribute to their success is the natural improvement that many of the young swimmers will experience.

“Last year as freshmen, Britta Brown, Sydney Macedo, Olivia McLean and Julia Milligan all scored in the state meet and look to build upon their success from last season as well,” said Coulombe.

Kennebunk has also added some talent as well. Coulombe believes that a few of these newcomers are ready to make an immediate impact on the team.

“With the addition of Isabel Harms and Caroline Lowery, the dynamic of our team changes tremendously and helps add to the depth of our team which is our biggest strength,” said Coulombe.

Although some teams may feel pressure when defending their titles, Coulombe believes that his team is prepared and mentally is in a good place.

Kennebunk also knows that there is more at stake than just a division title – and Coulombe has made it clear that his team hopes to advance even further this year.

“Having only lost one swimmer to graduation, this year’s team hopes to build upon last year’s success with the hopes of being in the conversation for a state championship,” said Coulombe. “Hopefully in February we will leave it all in the water and have no regrets.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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