The De Soto High School girls’ swim team recently competed at the State competition on May 18 at the Topeka-Capital Federal Natatorium, bringing the season to a close. The team had two relays compete in finals and took 25th overall.

Sophomore Lynlee Hutchison succeeded in her events and felt proud of the accomplishments the whole team made.

“I was a part of the 200-meter freestyle relay and the 400-meter freestyle relay, and I was really proud of our performance this year. We got some new best times and placed higher than we were originally seeded, which was great,” Hutchison said.

Hutchison placed 13th overall in the 200-meter relay with sophomore teammates Liz and Nicole Schottler and freshman Josephine Butler.

Nicole Schottler agreed that the State competition was overall a success for the team as a whole.

“I competed in the 200 individual medley, 500 freestyle swim, 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. Overall, the events went really well, and we made it to the finals in both relays,” Schottler explained.

Although placing at State was felt rewarding, the team was excited to go to the competition and be a part of it.

“A big positive outcome was celebrating a great season with my teammates at a big meet where we could see how far we’ve come this season. It also showed me, and I think everyone on the team, how far you can come with hard work,” Nicole explained. “The best part about going to State for the team was showing how our commitment to the team and all of our dedication toward getting better paid off.”

Hutchison had similar feelings, but also felt that there are takeaways from the competition that will assist in improving for next season.

“For next year, I really hope to make ‘A’ finals for State, and with some hard work and dedication to drop more time, I think we can do it,” Hutchison explained. “I want to continue to qualify relays for State because they really are the most fun part of the meet and bring you closer to your teammates.”

Nicole has a positive outlook for the future of the swim team at State competitions, hoping to place in more events.

“I’m very optimistic for future State competitions because of this year’s opportunity to advance our position in the State competition even further. Personally, I would like to qualify for State in two individual events and two relays next year again, and hope to make the finals in some of them,” Schottler said.