When most high school athletes are thinking about summer break, the South Tahoe High School Swim and Dive teams were busy making waves at the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) State Championships. These aquatic warriors proved that small-town teams can pack a serious punch, snagging impressive third and fifth-place finishes in the highly competitive 3A division.

Diving Into Success

The boys’ team was particularly impressive, showcasing a killer dive squad that became the secret weapon in their championship run. Juniors Ralston Pierce, Trevor Mattila, and Marcus Haven dominated the diving events, racking up an astonishing 22 unanswered points. Leading the swim charge were seniors like Juan Preciado Ospina and Dylan Lucas, who powered through multiple events and clinched critical relay placements.

Girl Power in the Pool

The girls’ team wasn’t far behind, with standout performances that had spectators cheering. Nicole Whisnant stole the spotlight by securing second place in both the 50-yard Freestyle and 100-yard Individual Medley. Teammates like Maia Edmonds and Lupita Rehn complemented her performance with impressive individual achievements, proving that depth and teamwork are key to success.

Behind the Success

Behind every great team is an exceptional coach, and Will Davenport clearly knows how to inspire young athletes. With support from volunteer coach Eddie Kollar from Douglas High, the team transformed raw talent into championship-level performance. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment turned what could have been an ordinary season into an extraordinary achievement.

Congratulations to the South Tahoe High School Swim and Dive teams for proving that in the world of competitive swimming, heart and hustle can take you to the podium.