Chemistry teacher Kelly Timson is beginning her second season as head swim coach. Compared to last year, this year will be calm. Last year she had a baby on the way, had just relocated to Kansas City and began her new jobs as swim coach and chemistry teacher. Now with a better understanding of what to expect within the season, and more comfortable in life, she looks for leadership among those that learned to respect and trust her last season.

Not only will the senior swim captains Kat Quamar and Erin Mills and senior dive captain Margaret Brandmeyer take charge, but according to Timson, all the seniors have the capabilities to lead the team and really bring the swim and dive team together.

“This year there is definitely more of a focus on coming together as a team rather than becoming comfortable with a new coach,” Mills said.

One aspect that has already been implemented to bring the team together is incorporating practices with swim and dive together. While swim usually practices at the local YMCA, and dive usually practices at Longview Community College, Timson hopes that dry-land Saturday practices can not only bring the group together in a team setting, but also be beneficial to the swimmers and divers as athletes.

“Right now this is the plan we have,” Timson said. “I really hope we can incorporate both groups together because they really are one team.”

This is the first season there has been a dive captain. Brandmeyer was chosen when the team voted on captains last season.

“I think having the position of dive captain will make us better,” Mills said. “Instead of going to the whole dive group we can just talk to Margaret. She also understands dive more.”

The focus on the team this year is what will separate it from years past.

“Everyone can make an impact, and not just with their times. It’s just about putting everyone’s goals together, and setting an example for each other,” Mills said.

Timson sees less of a learning curve this year, as the team knows what to expect from her and she knows what to expect from them.

“This year, I can rely on the girls that know what to expect from me. I also get to see their transition from last year,” Timson said. “I can really see the improvement.”