Last season, the Becker swimming and diving team had its best season in several years, winning seven matches and boasting a number of athletes who finished in the top eight in the Section meet.

This year, Head Coach Tina Tamm returns for her 23rd season and has 12 letter winners who will provide the overall experience necessary for the Bulldogs to challenge for putting a few athletes in the state tournament.

“Many of our letter winners placed in the top eight places at the Section meet a year ago,” Tamm says. “We were close to having a few state entrants last year and this year we are looking to get a few of our girls to the state meet.”

Providing leadership to this year’s team will be four captains - Arleigh Pudlick, Delaney Varney, Sophie Studer and Grace Wynia.  

Joining Tamm on the coaching staff this year will be long-time diving coach Kayla Kalinowski (14th year) and assistant coach Avery Tamm (second year). 

As the team gears up for the season, Tamm sees a great deal of flexibility in this year’s squad.

“There is a whole bunch of talent across all the grades and I have the ability to strategically move the girls around into different events,” Tamm says.  “This gives them a chance to try different races and still lets us try for the win.”

In terms of wins and losses and team goals, Tamm sees the potential to measure up to last year’s incredible season and maybe even a bit better.

“We are looking to improve our overall season record,” Tamm says. “We have a great group of girls and a lot of new talent. I anticipate a great season with a lot of success.”

As always, the Bulldogs will compete in the very tough Mississippi 8 Conference, as well as a competitive section.

“Monticello is always tough in the conference and they are also in our section,” Tamm says. “Our section is tough all around, as all the teams put their best swimmers in the events and it makes for a very difficult field of competitors.”

One reason for Tamm’s optimism this year is the amount of work her girls have put in during the off-season. She is confident that it will pay dividends as the high school season kicks off.

“ A lot of the girls train and compete with the club program during the winter and spring,” says the coach.  “That is a great benefit when it comes to the high school season.  I am excited to see how this year goes.”