News Summary

Cedar Rapids Prairie is set to launch its own swim teams for boys and girls by the 2026-27 school year, thanks to a new pool facility at Prairie Summit YMCA. The $43 million investment aims to foster local youth participation in swimming and create a competitive environment. With coaches dedicated to nurturing young talent, Cedar Rapids Prairie is aiming to make a significant impact on the swimming scene in Iowa as they prepare for future competitions and community engagement.

Cedar Rapids Prairie Set to Make a Splash with New Swim Teams!

Cedar Rapids is diving into an exciting new chapter for its young athletes! Come the 2026-27 school year, Cedar Rapids Prairie is gearing up to launch its very own swim teams for both girls and boys. This awesome development is all thanks to the upcoming completion of the Prairie Summit YMCA pool, which is projected to open its doors in spring 2026.

A Pool Built for Champions

Located just west of Prairie Heights Elementary School, the new swimming facility is a result of a $43 million bond referendum approved by teachers, parents, and the community in 2023. This investment not only promises a state-of-the-art place for practice and competition but will also foster a love for swimming in local youth for years to come.

Coaching and Community Engagement

Jessica Hinke, who has been coaching the shared girls’ swim program since 2019, is excited about the future of swimming at Prairie. Although she has been a key figure in the program, she remains mum on her coaching plans for the 2026-27 school year, as the school is set to post that job later this fall. What’s evident, however, is Hinke’s dedication to nurturing a love for swimming among students of various skill levels.

Currently, the girls’ swimming season for the shared program kicked off on August 26, 2025, featuring a spirited team with a blend of energy and youthful ambition. This season, the roster shines brightly with eight athletes from Prairie and 16 from Cedar Rapids Jefferson, all working hard together. As the program grows, Hinke is committed to ensuring that both schools’ swim teams are poised to make a splash come 2026!

Current and Future Competition Landscape

The competitive swimming scene in Iowa is bubbling over with talent, and Cedar Rapids Prairie wants in on the action! As the ongoing season progresses, other schools, like Iowa City West, are making headlines with new leadership under their varsity coach. The Iowa City West swimming team has made a splash in the preseason rankings, coming in hot at No. 6 in the Iowa High School Swimming Coaches Association!

Hannah Geng, a standout swimmer from Iowa City West, is looking to build on her successful season last year, where she captured fifth in the 100 freestyle and seventh in the 200 freestyle at the state meet. As excitement builds, Cedar Rapids Prairie will be looking to develop their amateur athletes into formidable competitors in no time!

Record-Breaking Performances and Community Support

This year, the state swimming meet saw the Dubuque Hempstead boys’ swimming team achieve their first-ever state title with a staggering 213.5 points, triumphing over Iowa City West, which fell short with 181 points. This has sparked greater interest and enthusiasm for swimming in the area, and Cedar Rapids Prairie is eager to join the competitive fray. As the new pool opens, it will become a center for community events, competitions, and team spirit.

With the Iowa girls’ high school swimming and diving season officially kicking off on August 25, 2025, schools are gearing up for a competitive year. Regional meets will be held on November 6 and 8, leading up to the exciting state diving meet on November 13 and finals on November 14.

Looking Ahead

As Cedar Rapids Prairie prepares to make waves in the swimming community, the excitement is palpable! With plans for strong swim teams, supportive coaches, and a new pool facility, the sky’s the limit for local young swimmers. Keep an eye on Cedar Rapids—big things are coming!

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