The high school boys and girls swimming and diving season began Sept. 2 at schools across the state.

West Valley Preps and the Surprise Independent asked local high school coaches about their teams.

Here are their responses:

Estrella Foothills Wolves

Girls coach: Katie Stover (seventh year at Estrella Foothills)
Division: Division II (Boys finished ninth at Division II state meet)
Who are your top returning swimmers? We have a very young team this year. We had nine seniors graduate last year.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? We have a freshman, Taylor Sheffert, who has already taken the school record in the 200 free and 500 free. She is also ranked highly in the state in multiple events and will be participating in the state meet.
What are your highlights so far this season? And what are you looking forward to the rest of the year? We have 4 girls who have also broke a school record from 2014 in the 200 free relay. That would consist of Taylor Sheffert (freshman), Parker Deahr (freshman), Rochelle Wright (freshman), and Ari Rodriguez (sophomore). With a time of 1:47.48.
What are your primary team and individual goals this season? We have some amazing young kids and it has been very fun to see them all find a sport to participate in as they begin high school.

Millennium Tigers

Boys and girls coach: Jessica Cox (second year)
Division: Division I (Boys team finished third in Division I)
Who are your top returning swimmers? On the boys side: Cole Faut in 50 free and 100 free/fly. Ewan Cain, strokes and IM, Zac Clark and Alex Arnold in distance freestyle. On the girls side: Kori Junas and Norah Suaverdez in freestyle sprints, Siena Smith, Katelynn Kastanes and Emily Crites, Norah Suaveredez in the IM and backstroke. Dive: Stella Smith. Kori Junas.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Justus Holsheim is adding depth on the boys and on the girls side a strong group of freshmen girls: Alania Padilla, Julia Chowlea in mid distance freestyle sprints, Brooke Cox in distance free, and Samantha Maturin and Cora Roberts in strokes and the 200 IM

Paradise Honors Panthers

Boys and girls coach: Joe North (fifth year at Paradise Honors)
Division: Division III (Boys finished fourth at Division III state meet, Girls finished sixth)
Who are your top returning swimmers? Boys: Austin Hargreaves (senior) defending state champion in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle; Logan Bailey (junior) 2024 state championship finalist in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle; Sethren Policarpo (senior) 2024 state finalist in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle; Brady Pressnall (junior) 2024 state qualifier in the 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke; Kai Harada (junior) state qualifier in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Girls: Aubrielle Stevens (senior) defending state champion in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, Lili Garland (senior) defending state champion in the 100 butterfly and bronze medalist in the 200 freestyle; Claire Swesey (senior) state finalist in the 500 freestyle and multi-year qualifier in 100 fly/back; Kiera Nham (sophomore) state qualifier in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke; Erin Holstein (senior) state qualifier in the 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle.
Who are some of the newcomers that may have an impact this year? Boys: Colten Shaw (freshman) already achieved state provisional times in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. Girls: Kelsey Motts (freshman) already achieved state provisional times in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? The support everyone has for each other.
What are your highlights so far this season? And what are you looking forward to the rest of the year? Our team’s primary objective is to continue supporting one another and building upon our past accomplishments. We aim to increase the number of athletes qualified in individual events and help our returning state swimmers improve upon their previous performances. Every swimmer is dedicated to improving daily and finding ways to reduce their times. We have several defending state champions who are eager to defend their titles with even faster swims, while several state finalists are looking to secure higher positions than last year and finally reach the podium. Additionally, we have state qualifiers aiming to make finals, swimmers seeking their first state appearance, and those simply looking to improve and contribute to our team’s success at each meet.

Willow Canyon Wildcats

Girls coach: Victoria Wise (fourth year)
Division: Division II
Who are your top returning swimmers? Boys: Gregory Virga (senior) Girls: Madison Leigh (junior) and Alice Baughman (junior).
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? We are a team, even as individuals. The way our team encourages one another and supports each other always makes me so proud to continue this team and hopefully legacy here in the West Valley.
What are your highlights so far this season? And what are you looking forward to the rest of the year? Our team goal is to continue growing and encouraging others and get several athletes to state in individual races.