In a showdown at Long Beach City College’s aquatic center, the women’s swim and diving team dominated against Cerritos and East Los Angeles College securing first in every event at the dual meet on Friday.
The event marked a debut for Danielle “Danny” Sgontz, who participated in the diving event for her first time.
Sgontz, who placed the lowest for the women’s one meter dive, later explained how she prepared for the event.
“This was my first time along with some of my other teammates but honestly, I listen to Bob Marley to chill out before diving,” Sgontz said.
Women’s diving coach Shane Butler, a proud alumna of LBCC, brought his expertise to the poolside.
Butler explained how he gets his players in a competitive mindset even if it’s their first time participating in the events.
“As a player I never understood the levels my coaches tried getting me to but now as a coach trying to get my own players to that same level I understand,” Butler said.
Butler also holds the school record for LBCC in the one meter and three meter diving board events.
One of the many stand out performers of the day featured sophomore Julia Miller in the women’s 1000-yard freestyle event.
Miller clinched first with a time of 12:18.09, a total of 27 seconds ahead of swimmers from Cerritos and ELAC.
“Because that was my first time swimming the 1000 yard this season I was pretty happy with my time, it gave me a good starting point, so hopefully I can work towards dropping time later in the season,” Miller said.
Along with Miller, Olivia Slavens placed first in the women’s 200 and 50 yard freestyle events.
Slavens shared how she prepares for meets before swimming, “I pick one person and make it between me and them…when I make my competition 1v1 it’s easier to have that mindset that I need to win, not just want to.”
The team’s camaraderie and determination were evident throughout the meet, as they cheered each other on and pushed themselves to new heights of achievement.
With this victory, LBCC women’s swim team is now setting its sights on the upcoming meet at the Mt. San Antonio College invitational.
Extra Frames: more photos from the women’s dual meet on March 1 by Izzy Juarez and Sam Villa
