A season ago was one to remember for the Tamaqua girls’ swimming team.

Coach Jen Paisley’s squad racked up an impressive 13-2 overall mark, and finished strong in the Schuylkill League at 8-2.

So where does this edition fit in as the onset of the 2024-2025 is on the cusp of starting?

Keying this group will be Savanah Wilson, who is expected to be a strong performer in the 200 intermediate and 100 breaststroke events. Last winter, Wilson was sensational, capturing the District 11 championship in the 100 breaststroke, and nearly won a second gold medal in the 200 IM.

A pair of other standout swimmers back in the fold include Ava Jones and Janna Brown. Both girls are top-flight performers in the sprint division and freestyle events. Paisley is expecting a big year from Audrey Nattress in the tough fly event, and she’ll also be a big part of the breaststroke.

The Blue Raiders figure to get sturdy and versatile performances from Andrea Betz, Lyla Clemson and Addison Krall. Paisley feels that trio will provide depth in a number of events to score points, and give their team a strong base to work from as they gain experience as the season progresses.

The newcomers to the girls side of the team finds incoming freshmen Kate Behun and Gia Clemson. Behun is considered a strong performer in the mid-distance and distance freestyle and backstroke events. Clemson should bolster the team in the freestyle events.

Paisly’s take on where her girls can finish is still in the development stages.

“We lost a lot of key swimmers to graduation, but the athletes who remain realize they’ve got a lot of work ahead of them to stay competitive in the league, so it will be interesting to see how this season shakes out,” Paisley said.

The boys team was highly competitive last winer, finishing overall at 9-6, and a solid 6-4 in the Schuylkill League.

Paisley, much like with the girls team, is trying to balance the veterans and newcomers. Nicholas Brown will head the squad in the breaststroke and freestyle competition. Teammate Jacob Hehn could have a big season, as he brings solid credentials in the freestyle and fly events. Also, look for Will Behun, who Paisley says is a swimmer who’s very versatile, and will be relied on in various events.

The Blue Raiders’ Thomas Graham will compete in the sprint and backstroke, toss in Ben Hunsicker in the backstroke, and veteran Vinny Valentine will give his team a “diver to watch” throughout the season as he returns for his senior year. On the newcomer list is Brandon Temerantz to compete in the specialty strokes and distance strokes.

Paisley sees the team as one that has growth potential.

“They have been working hard and have a positive mindset, so I am expecting we will see good things from them both as a team and individually,” Paisley said.