The562’s coverage of aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
2024 was a historical year for Long Beach swimming. Even with some legendary swimmers leaving the city, there is sure to be more history made this year. Will Wilson get their fourth consecutive Moore League title, or will someone knock off the reigning champs?
WILSON
Wilson continued their aquatic dominance with a three-peat Moore League championship last year and their 40th program title. This was especially important for coach Kristin Barth-Kredell, who is now in her second year leading the Bruins.
“I feel like we’re really in a great groove,” Barth-Kredell said. “Our swimmers have really committed to the Wilson philosophy of hard work and positive mental attitude that our beloved previous coach of 29 years, Maggi Twinem, instilled in our program.”
Wilson lost some strong swimmers last year, including Moore League Swimmer of the Year and CIF Champion Sammie Hamilton. However, Barth-Kredell said the Bruins have some strong newcomers in the water this year.
“We have a strong freshman class and a few transfers this year carrying on the Wilson legacy in aquatics. They will especially challenge our veterans for those top relay spots,” Barth-Kredell said.
Some of these swimmers include freshmen Abby Billish and London Gordin. Both have generational talent, with Billish being the daughter of Olympic Trial swimmer Gennifer Billish and collegiate water polo player Joe Billish and Gordin being the daughter of Wilson boys’ backstroke record holder and CSULB champ Mark Gordin.
Billish is a six-foot tall sprinter for the Bruins, while Gordin will swim long distance. They will also be joined by senior CiCi DeLuca who will swim breaststroke. The Stanford water polo commit is a force in the pool in any aspect, also being a generational talent as the daughter of water polo Olympian Jackie Frank.
The Bruins are excited for this season, especially with new facilities almost ready to be used. Barth-Kredell said her team has been hard at work since September in their new weight room funded by NFL player and Bruins’ alum Joel Bitonio. Wilson also hopes their new pool will open soon, sparking a lot of interest at the school.
The talent does not stop at the swimmers, as Barth-Kredell’s coaching staff has history in the water. Assistant Coach Steve Haltom worked with both the US Olympic Training Center and the Stanford Women’s Swim Team as the weight and stroke technique expert. Katie Rowe, NCAA swimmer and Wilson Hall of Famer, is also joining the team this year. Barth-Kredell herself is the daughter of longtime Wilson coach Klaus Barth, who founded the Rock and Roll Swim Meet.
“It’s really special to me to carry on that tradition, plus it’s a blast for the swimmers,” Barth-Kredell said. “We expect some strong times there this spring.”
The Bruins are looking to put all these pieces together and make more history in the water this year.
LONG BEACH POLY
The Jackrabbits are in a bit of a unique position this year. Longtime coach Kalani Caldwell retired after 35 years at Long Beach Poly, paving the way for Ali Landeros to step in.
“It’s exciting to be a part of a very well-established team, and [I] look forward to working with Coach Ishmael on the boys’ side to continue the Poly tradition of intense competition, positive sportsmanship and team unity,” Landeros said.
Landeros has a strong senior class returning to ease the transition. Belle Pucket and Phoebe Kuo, the Moore League champions in the 200 free and 200 IM respectively, are back in the pool for the Jackrabbits.
They are also joined by Maya Guevara, who was part of Poly’s winning 200 medley relay last season. The three are just part of a talented senior class that Landeros expects a lot from.
“All of these athletes bring a tremendous amount of experience, spirit and intensity to our team, and we’re looking to them to help guide all of our athletes with their leadership, as well as performance,” Landeros said.
There are also two freshmen jumping in the water for Poly this year. Nikki Bickel and Peyton Reed both come to high school with years of club experience under their belts.
“[We] look forward to them making a significant impact to the team as well as adding depth to an already successful squad,” Landeros said. “Both of these athletes have been pushing their peers in the tank at practice and made a great debut in our intersquad.”
Landeros expects all these swimmers to come together and strive for a Moore League title, which he said starts with his team’s daily training and goal of making it to League Finals at every level.
“The team will be looking to continue making an impact in the Moore League this season and are excited to face off against longtime rivals Millikan and Wilson High Schools,” Landeros said.
The Jackrabbits also return the reigning Moore League Diver of the Year in senior Fiona Lobedicus. Lobedicus previously claimed second at last year’s CIF State Finals. She posted a score of 508.20, setting a new school record for Poly.
Landeros said he is excited for his first swim season with the Jackrabbits, which he expects to be fun and exciting. The head coach already got a taste of the Green and Gold when he took over the girls’ water polo program in the winter.
“One of my favorite parts about coming to Long Beach Poly has been the team/family culture, and [I] am beyond grateful to work with such an amazing team of athletes and coaches,” Landeros said.
MILLIKAN
The Rams are led by two All-Moore League and CIF swimmers this year. Sophomore Sienna Ramirez was All-League for the 100 yard breaststroke, while senior Kylie Montiel led the league in the 100 yard backstroke.
“They’ll bring a competitive edge in practices, the swim meets and in league,” Head Coach Mike Carrillo said of his top returners. “I’m excited to see what they will accomplish this year.”
Montiel dominated in the 100 back at league finals last year with a time of 58.79, making her the only non-Wilson/Poly swimmer to claim a championship that night. Ramirez finished second in her event by .05 with a time of 1:09.65.
Millikan also has one of the top divers in the city this year. Senior Ava Valdez, a University of San Diego commit, finished 11th in Division 2 last year.
“We are expecting big things out of her this year,” Carrillo said.
Carrillo said he’s excited for the Rams this year, who seem to have a good group of swimmers looking to make some good times. However, he is also making sure his team takes everything one step at a time.
“There are so many things to work on to get that time you want,” Carrillo said. “It’s good to focus on one thing early, then the rest will fall into place by the end of season.”
LAKEWOOD
Although many Moore League teams focus on competing within the city, the Lancers have their eye on a bigger prize. Lakewood will be swimming in Division 3 for CIF this year, and that is where the team is focused, coach Deborah Caine said.
“We are looking to earn more individual swims in CIF and all three relays,” Caine said. “Lakewood Girls’ Swim focuses on our PRs and our best swims, not on winning races in the Moore League. We are grounded in hard work, and putting the team first.”
Leading this mission will be seniors Maddy De La Riva and Madison Gageby. Caine said both swimmers are leaders who anchor the team down.
They are also crucial members of all relays, along with sophomore Kaylee Cuizon. Cuizon is an experienced swimmer who is looking to earn CIF qualifying times in the 200 IM and 100 fly.
There are also some new swimmers joining the Lancers this year. Senior Aubrey Saxton and sophomores Jaiden Jordan and Danica Sapitan are jumping in the water this season and hoping to make an impact for their team.
“This year is Aubrey’s time, she is stepping up and becoming our 500 swimmer, with hopes of qualifying,” Caine said.
Jordan will anchor down in the middle relay, as her work offseason has helped make her a top swimmer for the Lancers. Sapitan has also seen major improvement in the offseason after working with a club team. All Lancers are hoping to earn CIF times this year.
CABRILLO
The Jags look a little different this year, as coach Hailey Beaird will be out on maternity leave for the season. However, Boys’ coach Lawrence Durand will be taking over and helping the program grow.
“Our mindset this year with the team and now with these new girls is to come in bigger and stronger and to constantly encourage and help each other to get better as the season progresses with the goal of consistently dropping time in events,” Beaird said.
Cabrillo sports some fresh faces in the pool in freshmen Izabella Fabrigas and Bella Wholey. Both swimmers have been training since the beginning of the year and have already shown improvement in skill and speed, Beaird said.
The Jags will also be led by a few seasoned swimmers, as well. Flor Garibay, junior and 562 intern, will be one of these top returners. Garibay was a strong swimmer for Cabrillo last season, and Beaird said she hopes Garibay can continue dropping more time and capitalizing on her events this year.
Garibay will also be joined by fellow junior Chelsea Tzunun. After playing water polo in the winter, Tzunun has already begun improving her speed and focus in the water.
“Both girls are hardworkers and encouraging to all in the team, so their impact on the team is huge,” Beaird said.
JORDAN
Coach Brenden Gruneisen is taking on a big role for the Panthers this year, coaching both sides of the swim program. Gruneisen was also named All-Moore League Coach of the Year last season.
The program is coming off a successful year last spring, as well as a strong water polo season in the winter. The Panthers secured the program’s first Moore League dual meet victory in several years over Cabrillo, and their water polo team qualified for CIF playoffs for the first time in school history this winter.
“Improvement is always my first priority,” Gruneisen said. “My goal is for all of the kids to look back at where they were when the season began and to be proud of how far they’ve come by the time the season comes to an end.”
Gruneisen said his team is very cohesive and likeminded in this aim. He hopes the Panthers can carry their momentum over to this spring season.
“This group of girls is so committed to the team, to one another and to themselves, so I’m beyond excited to watch each of them grow and succeed this year,” Gruneisen said.
The North Side is led by a trio of seniors in Nellie Arzate, Jocelyn Martinez and Alessandra Moreno. Gruneisen said each swimmer is a leader on the team who are not only focused on individual growth, but also on the growth of the rest of their squad.
