Diving into Action: Scorpions Varsity Swim Team Makes Waves

The Sedona Red Rock High School girls’ varsity swim team is making waves this season despite the departure of two seniors, including record-holder Sarina McCullough. As the team enters the 2024-25 practice season, optimism is high among coaches and athletes alike.

Head Coach Jodi Thornton expressed confidence in the team’s culture and dynamics. “We already have great team culture,” she remarked, highlighting the presence of seasoned swimmers like senior Alana Schrader, junior Angelina Paley, sophomore Zinnia Mykkanen, and senior Yemayasil Guadarrama. Together, they are fostering an environment that emphasizes teamwork and collective growth.

Thornton commended the leadership of captains Colin Ledbetter and Schrader, who are crucial in guiding newer members. “They’re really taking the younger kids under their wings,” she noted. Schrader, having qualified for state last season, feels a deep sense of responsibility as she aims to support her teammates’ development.

Under her captaincy, Schrader hopes to promote an atmosphere where personal improvement is paramount. “I would rather succeed as a team than individually,” she said, adding that her goals include enhancing her own breaststroke technique while encouraging her teammates to feel pride in their progress.

In contrast, Mykkanen’s competitive spirit shines through as she articulates her drive to outperform others. “I love beating people,” she admits, a sentiment shared by her family, who have also excelled in swimming. Mykkanen aims for national-level competition, although she acknowledges the uncertainty of achieving this before college. “She could be right at the top at state because she’s working really hard,” Thornton remarked on Mykkanen’s potential.

Guadarrama emphasizes her commitment to academics alongside her swimming goals. “I want to give it my all every meet,” she stated, mentioning her aspiration to improve her performance this season, building on the foundation laid by her older brother’s swimming career.

Paley, a newcomer to the varsity level, is eager to enhance her speed. “Definitely getting faster; I have good stamina,” she commented, noting her excitement to connect with her teammates better as the season progresses. The thrill of competition, coupled with the joy of swimming, motivates her through training.

The Scorpions will kick off their home meet on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m., facing off against Prescott Varsity and Gilbert Christian. “This season is going to be so exciting,” Thornton concluded, expressing her enthusiasm for the team’s passion and involvement.