The Salida High School girls swim team has started to prepare for what is anticipated as an exciting 2025 season. This upcoming season welcomes new teammates and will set an example of amazing energy and determination. Although the swimmers have yet to compete in their first meet, they are excited for the season as they build a fun atmosphere around the pool.
Head Coach Jason Lengerich describes the early weeks of practice as nothing short of impressive. “We haven’t had a meet yet,” he explains, “but their performance in practice—they’re working really hard. We’ve got a lot of girls that are dedicated. They’re showing up for weights and they’re fitting all the practices in and working hard in all the practices. I’m expecting some pretty good results.” The program reaches to improve with each season, and the level of commitment throughout it builds a foundation set up for success.
One of the most significant changes this year is the team’s makeup. With a mix of both new and returning swimmers, the team is vastly different from last season. “It’s a whole different team from last year, it really is,” Lengerich says. “We’ve got some swimmers that have come back, but we’ve got a lot of new girls too. We have a few girls on the team that have never swum before, and just their progress from last week to this week has been amazing.”
For the athletes who have been recently introduced to the SHS swim team, getting to know everyone and gaining confidence through the sport can be its own challenge—but this team has embraced it. “They’re in the water, they’re not giving up. They’re continuing to go. It’s not easy, [and] they’re not stopping.” Lengerich says, emphasizing their hard work.
Meanwhile, the returning swimmers have come back even stronger than previous seasons, setting an example for the team. “Some of the girls that have come back are already starting out stronger than they started out last year,” he adds. “So I’m really looking forward to seeing them swim this year.”
As for goals, Lengerich’s approach goes beyond just times and placements. “I want to get the girls the best opportunities they can to succeed,” he says. He wants to ensure the coaches are giving their all every day to provide the best they can for their athletes. Lengerich explains, “Ultimately I want them to have fun and enjoy what they’re doing, but also work hard and get the satisfaction from more people.”
Still, the season won’t go on without its challenges. The team is preparing for a major meet at Cheyenne Mountain in December, where they will get to experience tough competition. “We’re going to be racing pretty much 4A and 5A teams,” Lengerich says. “There’s only going to be one other 3A team there. So it will be comparable, if not more competitive, than state. It will challenge them.” For a young and developing team, this meet may reveal their devotion and growth as a team and as individuals.
Team chemistry is also beginning to form. “They’re still coming together as a team,” Lengerich notes. “They’re still getting to know each other but there’s a great dynamic. They seem to enjoy each other and get along.” When the meets begin, he expects that bond to strengthen even more.
The team’s first meet occurred on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 and with the SHS team winning first place with 108 points, compared to the other teams. The other two teams were Pagosa Springs and Manitou Springs. Their next swim meet will be Saturday, December 13th where the girls varsity will compete with Gunnison and potentially other schools.
As the 2025 season approaches, Salida’s swimmers and their coaches are creating a strong mindset through growth, hard work and a developing sense of teamwork. With tough meets ahead and plenty of opportunities to improve, the group is ready to challenge themselves and see how far their dedication can take them this year.
