Orange Lutheran's swim and dive team is back in the pool and ready for league meets beginning this week.
 
Last season saw several Lancers qualify for CIF, including sophomore Allison Cohen who had a breakout swim season last spring and was a 2023 state meet qualifier.
 
Freshman Juliana Palazzolo is joining OLu's aquatics program with a strong background as a competitive swimmer and has her sights set on adding her name to some school records.
 
Coming off of their undefeated CIF and State Regional water polo championships, the Lancers senior girls will also be returning to make their mark on swim season, including Bella Calderon, Samantha Kim and Sofia Umeda.
 
"The girls that are returning are excited to say, hey, we put in the work and we can also excel at another sport," says OLu aquatics director Brenda Villa.
 
On the boys side, senior swimmers Matthew Mai-Prasarnsuk, Brian Marinescu and Jake Wedding will be back to compete. And the Lancers will add freshman and top club swimmer Andrew He.

OLu will also return junior diver and 2023 CIF qualifier Makenna Milne and add sophomore diver Ivy Lang to the roster.

"There is some excitement around swimming," says Villa. "For us, swimming is another chance to continue to represent and compete at the highest level. It's exciting to see different [athletes] show new talent in swimming."

The Lancers get started on Friday, March 15, when they travel to JSerra to compete against the Lions. OLu will face all Trinity League opponents, as well as attend the Orange County Championships held on March 22.

With water polo and swimming working hand in hand, Villa's vision is for OLu to see success across all aspects of the aquatics program.

"For all aquatics sports, our goal is to make sure that they are all getting the support needed," says Villa.  "On the swim side, we saw a glimpse of the potential of OLu there….Now that we put in the work, the ones that are here are excited to put forth their God-given talent and represent OLu to their best of their abilities."