On November 5th, the Grand Junction swim team dove into their first pre-season practice of the 2024-2025 season more motivated than ever. The swim and dive team is made up of swimmers from both Junction and Palisade going by the Grand Junction mascot, the Tigers Riley O’Hara, a junior at Palisade High School has been swimming for two years and shares her excitement for the upcoming season. O’Hara says, “This year I am really looking forward to having a sport I can share with my friends and I am really just going to try to have more fun. This year, I am less scared because I know what the meets are going to look like and I know it’s going to be okay if I dont always perform how I want. ”
Last year was the final year of coaching for Denise Thompson, former Grand Junction swim coach for __ years. This unfortunate loss evoked deep sadness in many however the entrance into new waters by different perspectives and coaching styles can also be a positive experience. Now, the swim team is coached by Jennifer Burnett, and assistant coach Eric Langner. O’Hara states, “It’s definitely very sad with losing Denise as our coach, I am hoping that some of the same structures from last year can still be used this season. I am looking forward to building a relationship with the new coach and new swimmers since everyone seems super friendly.” The swim team is facing some inner turmoil with the loss of their former coach, nevertheless are ecstatic for this new season with new opportunities to grow and improve fueled by new insight and fresh guidance.
The swim team has five more preseason open swims and is looking forward to their first practice of November 18th and first meet on December 7th.
