West Hartford’s Conard High School begins the season at home on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022.

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With 14 returning state qualifiers, including two Class L champions, and the addition of a strong freshman class, Conard girls Swimming and Diving is looking to make a splash this season in both dual meets and the end of the season state tournament.

Conard finished last season 6-2 in dual meets, seventh in the Class L State Tournament, and 20th at the State Open. Conard’s two losses came to perennially strong CCC West opponents Farmington High School and Hall High School.

Conard swimmers take a break at a recent practice. Courtesy photo

Senior Ali Colburn returns to the diving board for the Red Wolves this season after winning Class L diving and placing seventh at the State Open. Also returning to the board are captain Rachel Giroux (senior) who placed 10th in Class L, Gabrielle Alekshun (sophomore) who placed 15th in class L, and Mia Rosario (sophomore) who placed 21st in Class L.

“We have one of the best diving teams in the area,” said head coach John Smachetti.

In the pool, Conard’s talent is balanced across all four classes. The Red Wolves are led by senior captains Sophia Pincince (distance/individual medley), Aspen Rosner (sprint freestyle/backstroke), and Claire Dombrofski (sprint freestyle), and along with senior Ella Switzer (butterfly/breaststroke) all are looking to build on their tournament successes from last season.

Juniors Jane Harhay (mid distance/distance freestyle) and Emma O’Beirne (mid distance freestyle) both look to return to the state tournament this season. Sophomore standouts Liv and Tess Sherry have also returned for the Red Wolves; last season they were seeded first and second in the 100 Breaststroke with Liv going on to win the Class L title.

Meghan Jo (mid distance/distance) and Rachel Mathews (butterfly/IM) also return to round out the sophomore class. New to the team are Cecelia Peck, Rosalie Alonzo, Claire Haverly, Lyla Harhay, and Ella Hall – all freshmen expected to have an immediate impact on the Red Wolves’ line up.

“2022 looks to be a good year for the Red Wolves,” said Smachetti. “We are returning both of our Class L individual champions from last year, Alison Colburn in diving and Liv Sherry in the 100 breaststroke. They are joined by several other returning state qualifiers and a solid incoming class.”

Conard kicks off their season on Tuesday, Sept. 13 with a home meet at Cornerstone Aquatics Center in West Hartford versus South Windsor and a link to their full schedule can be found here.

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