MIHS girls make a splash with fourth straight state team title

Special to the Reporter

Mercer Island High School’s girls swim and dive team won its fourth consecutive 3A state championship on Nov. 15 at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way.

The Islanders’ score was the highest point total in state history with 453 points (the previous record was 385). Lakeside placed second with 330 points.

MI senior Clare Watson was named Swimmer of the Meet and MI’s Chauntelle Johnson won Coach of the Year.

Watson placed first in the 100 butterfly with a state record and school record of 51.75, and she took first in the 100 backstroke with a school record of 53.42. Watson also swam on the victorious 200 medley relay (with freshman Klara Kirschbaum, junior Emma Nowakowski and senior Hope Enge) with a school record 1:42.68, and she was part of the triumphant 400 freestyle relay (with sophomore Tatum Enge, senior Meg Dahlin and senior Gracyn Kehoe) with a time of 3:24.04.

Other MI individual first-placers were Kehoe in the 200 freestyle (1:47.86) and in the 100 freestyle (50.30); Tatum Enge in the 50 freestyle (23.04); and Kirschbaum in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.03).

Watson said she is thankful to participate in MI swive with an amazing group of girls.

“State is always one of my favorite parts of the season, but it was particularly memorable this year, as a senior, getting to look back on all my past experiences and see how much we have all grown as athletes and people,” Watson said. “It is such a supportive community, and I think the way we all uplift each other is what has led to our success this year and in years past.”

Dahlin added that she’s proud of her teammates and coaches, who have all contributed to the team effort during her four years on the MI squad.

“I’ve been so lucky to be a part of this team for four years and contribute to the program’s success. Our coaches really push the message that even if we are imperfect as individuals, we can be perfect as a team, and I think (that) has played a big part in pushing our team to win,” she said.

MI’s top 1-meter diver was fourth-place sophomore Clare Capasso (293.60).

Capasso noted about her MI swive experience: “As a sophomore, it is crazy to say I am half way through my years on swive. It is what I look forward to the most now, and every year brings something new while the team keeps the same spirit and passion. State this year was incredible to compete at and watch, and no team can compare to the level of drive and enthusiasm MI has.”

Seniors Dahlin, Emily Dunn, Hope Enge, Kehoe, Maya Moncaster and Julia Shang have won the state championship all four years of their high school careers.

“Our program is special because of the kids that are in it. Getting to coach these young athletes brings me so much joy. I keep setting goals and they just keep reaching them. The seniors have been perfect at the state meet as a team; what a special accomplishment for this senior class,” said coach Johnson.

Dunn said the MI team has changed her life and she’ll forever be grateful for the MI girls swive family. She’s honored to be a part of the team’s legacy and family.

“I am so proud to wear the MI cap and represent this incredible record breaking team. Coach Chauntelle, Coach Jennie (King) and Coach Nina (Thatcher) are amazing mentors who have taught me how to be a faster swimmer, better teammate, and more confident person. Their belief in me and this team means everything,” she said. “Winning the state championship for the fourth year in a row is a testament to the hard work we all put into practice every day, the dedication we have toward this team, and the energy we bring to the pool.”