News Summary

The Mercer Island girls swim and dive team has made an impressive start to the 2025 season, securing four victories in September. With outstanding performances from multiple athletes, many have qualified for state championships. The team’s legacy includes three consecutive 3A state championships and recognition as national dual meet champions. Fans can look forward to an upcoming meet against Bellevue High School on September 30, as the Islanders aim to continue their winning streak.

Mercer Island’s Incredible Start to the Swimming Season

All eyes are on Mercer Island as the high school girls swim and dive team is making a splash this season! Kicking off their 2025 campaign with a bang, the Islanders stormed through the early weeks, securing an incredible four victories and impressively qualifying multiple athletes for the state championships.

Meet the Winning Streak

September has been an exciting month for the Islanders. They first took to the pool on September 9, where they annihilated Redmond High School, finishing with a score of 133.5–42.5. Riding high on their momentum, they cruised past Newport High School on September 16 with a commanding 139-44 win. Just days later, the team dominated Seattle Prep on September 18, securing a win with a score of 112-58, followed by yet another victory against Inglemoor on September 25, ending the match at 121-65. What more could anyone want from a swim team?

A Legacy of Excellence

The Islanders have become quite the legend in the league. Known for their unbreakable teamwork and determination, the girls’ squad has captured the 3A state championship for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024). They’ve also recently been crowned the 2024-25 National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches’ Association national dual meet champions. With such a track record, expectations are high, but the team seems ready to keep delivering!

Breaking Records and Making Waves

In addition to their team triumphs, individual athletes have been showcasing their talents and hitting those coveted state-qualifying times! Freshman sensation Klara Kirschbaum shone brightly in her first meet, qualifying for the 3A state championship in the 200 individual medley with a remarkable time of 2:10.77. Sophomore Tatum Enge wasn’t far behind, winning the 200 freestyle in 1:56.85 on the same day and also qualifying for state. Other standout performances included senior Meg Dahlin taking the win in the 50 freestyle, and the ever-talented Emily Dunn took the 100 butterfly. Sophomore Jeannette Zhao claimed victory in the 500 freestyle as well, highlighting just how loaded the roster is this year!

Continuing the Momentum

When the team faced Newport on September 16, more state-qualifying times surged in. Tatum Enge once again delivered with phenomenal swims in the 100 fly (57.84) and 200 IM (2:09.60). Klara Kirschbaum kept the momentum going with a stellar swim in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.59) and senior Gracyn Kehoe turned heads as she clocked 1:53.11 in the 200 free and 52.62 in the 100 freestyle. Other notable performances included Dahlin in the 500 free and Clare Capasso capturing victory in 1-meter diving.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

The excitement didn’t stop there! During their match against Seattle Prep, Gracyn Kehoe qualified for state in the 200 IM with a time of 2:05.21 while Tatum Enge shined in the 100 free with a time of 53.66. The remarkable Elaine Chen swept the competition in her events, and Klara Kirschbaum continued to impress with her wins in both the 200 free and 100 fly. Another state-qualifying time for Kirschbaum in the 500 free of 5:17.09 was yet another cherry on the top when they faced Inglemoor.

Recognition All Around

The team spirit was palpable. Coach Chauntelle Johnson has been notable for her ability to mold a close-knit team that thrives not only athletically but also personally. She even awarded gold caps for outstanding performances to freshmen Hanna Park, Ragen Whelan, and Lila Goodall among others. Meanwhile, sophomores were not left out in the recognition, as Elaine Chen continued to show her strength by bagging event wins.

Looking Ahead

On the horizon, fans can look forward to the next showdown at Mary Wayte Pool against Bellevue High School on September 30. It promises to be yet another thrilling meet! And what could be better than seeing MIHS seniors Emma Morelli and Maya Moncaster rooting for their teammates? Let’s cheer on the Islanders as they continue their quest for greatness in this stellar swimming season!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Celebration Time in Sports: Milestones Hit Across Lacrosse, Baseball, and Softball

Additional Resources