First-year Great Bend swimming coach Lauren Jordan returns an experienced group of returning athletes, giving the team optimism for a competitive year in the pool.

Braylee Carper and Hadley Gregg return from a 1st-place WAC 400 freestyle relay. Meredith Mazouch returns from 200 freestyle and 200 medley relays. Gregg returns from a third-place WAC medley relay. The Panthers placed third in the WAC.

At 5A state, the Panthers finished 15th (200 free relay); 21st (400 free relay) and 26th (200 medley relay).

Leading the way for the Panthers will be senior Braylee Carper, who is expected to anchor the team’s distance events in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle. 

"Carper’s experience and consistency will provide a strong foundation for the team throughout the season," Jordan said.

Carper won the 2023 WAC 500 freestyle (6:29.53).

Meredith Mazouch returns from a state 12th-place 400-yard freestyle relay, 13th-place 200-yard freestyle relay and a 200-yard WAC 200 freestyle relay.

"Senior Phoebe Sperlein returns as an important contributor," Jordan said. "She'll compete in multiple events. Her versatility will give the coaching staff flexibility when building meet lineups.

"Junior Meredith Mazouch is back as the team’s primary sprinter," Jordan said. "Mazouch’s speed in the shorter freestyle events will be a key asset as the Panthers look to score valuable points in sprint races."

Jordan said the Panthers also return a promising group of sophomores. 

"Hadley Gregg and Emma Snapp will be strong competitors in the 200 individual medley and breaststroke events," Jordan said. "Gregg could make school history as she looks to become Hoisington’s first state swimming qualifier."

Adding to the team’s depth is a talented freshman class that includes Emma Beahm, Giselle Castillo, Gracie Hoff, and Sydney Piland.

"The newcomers are showing promise and are expected to play important roles in the Panthers’ lineup," Jordan said. "With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, the Panthers are poised to build on their success and make a strong showing in the pool."

PANTHER ROSTER

PAST STATE QUALIFIERS—200 free relay (Meredith Mazouch); 400 free relay (Carper, M. Mazouch)

SENIORS—Braylee Carper (WAC, 1st, 500 free; 7th 200 free), Phoebe Sperlein

JUNIOR—Meredith Mazouch (WAC, 1st, 6th, 500 free; 4th backstroke; 4th, 50 free) 

SOPHOMORE—Emma Snapp (WAC, 6th, backstroke, 7th butterfly; Hadley Gregg (4th, breaststroke; 6th, IM)

NINTH-GRADERS—Giselle Leyva Castillo; Sydney Piland; Gracie Hoff; Emma Beahm 

PANTHER SCHEDULE—3-26—at Salina; 4-7—Great Bend Invitational; 4-9—at Haysville; 4-14—at Garden City; 4-21—at Hutchinson; 4-24—at Salina; 4-28—at Hays; 4-30—Great Bend Invitational; 5-7—at Newton; 5-14—at Western Athletic at Garden City; 5-22/23—at 5A state