Built to Last: Westwood Swimming & Diving Enters 2026 with Depth and Momentum

December 17, 2025
 
Depth, Development, and a Program Built to Last
 
Westwood Swimming & Diving continues to establish itself as one of the most consistent and quietly dominant programs in the Tri-Valley League, built not on exclusivity or star-chasing, but on depth, development, and a culture that welcomes anyone willing to work. Entering her seventh year leading the program, head coach Mary Holt-Wilson has helped shape a team identity rooted in growth, inclusion, and competitive excellence across both the boys and girls programs.
 
At its core, Westwood swimming thrives on inclusion. Athletes are encouraged to join regardless of experience, learn the sport from the ground up, and commit to steady improvement. The result has been a deep, motivated roster where teammates genuinely root for one another and where success is shared across lanes, relays, and events. That culture has become a defining advantage, particularly against programs built around a small handful of elite swimmers.
 
A key driver of that growth has been Westwood’s strong multi-sport crossover. The program has benefited immensely from athletes coming out of soccer, track, and cross country — sports that translate naturally to swimming’s technical demands and aerobic base. On the girls’ side in particular, a thriving soccer-to-swim pipeline has become a hallmark of the program’s identity.
 
Girls Swimming: Depth, Leadership, and Momentum
 
The girls program continues to surge forward, fueled by one of the strongest recruiting pipelines in the school — the soccer-to-swim crossover. Senior captains Molly Crummet and Bella Wen, both proven winners from the soccer program, are at the heart of that movement. Each joined swimming with limited experience, fell in love with the sport, and have since helped recruit wave after wave of athletes who bring endurance, competitiveness, and a willingness to learn.
 
That pipeline has translated directly into results.
 
Sophomore Ryan Colleran emerged as one of last season’s biggest surprises, quickly establishing herself as an elite sprint threat and elevating Westwood’s results at the TVLs, sectionals, and state level. Fellow sophomore Michelle Asriyan also made an immediate impact and continues to be a key contributor.
 
Junior Caitlyn Hickey brings reliability and leadership to the distance events and relays, while also providing valuable depth on the diving side when needed. Sophomore Rayna Alvarez has taken a noticeable leap after “catching the bug” last season, already showing major progress early this year.
 
Depth remains one of the team’s greatest strengths. Reis Folmer adds scoring value with her strength in the backstroke, while Isabella Cai and Campbell Moran bring rare versatility, capable of contributing across multiple events. Junior Sreemayi Reedy plays a key role in that group, setting the tone daily with her energy, accountability, and commitment as a teammate.
 
Senior captain Molly Crummet, alongside her younger sister Maisie Crummet (junior), continues to lead by example through work ethic and steady improvement. Sydney McGovern has also made significant strides across the offseason and will be exciting to see that progress carry over into the meets.
 
One of the most exciting additions has been Lily Pados, an exceptional all-around athlete who has stepped into the pool and immediately begun winning events despite limited recent swim background. Charlotte Leonard, with experience in both swimming and cross country, brings a strong aerobic base and technically sound strokes that make her a consistent contributor.
 
Together, the girls lineup blends leadership, depth, and upward momentum — a combination that has become a trademark of the program.
 
Boys Swimming: Sustaining a Championship Standard
 
On the boys’ side, Westwood enters the season carrying one of the most impressive résumés in the league. The Wolverines have captured four straight TVL titles and consistently finished among the top Division 2 programs statewide, placing in the top six to seven over that span. Despite graduating key seniors, expectations remain high as the program looks to extend its dominance for a fifth consecutive year.
 
Leadership is again a strength, with senior captains Michael Aljamal, Ethan Lee, Luke Li, and Vincent Willits setting the tone. Aljamal remains a force across multiple events and relays, while Lee’s versatility — particularly in the 500 free — gives him legitimate record-breaking potential. Li and Willits, both non-club swimmers, embody the program’s work-ethic-driven identity and serve as daily examples of consistency and commitment.
 
Several returners are poised to play major roles. Shane McDonald headlines the breaststroke group and enters the season with strong potential to challenge the program’s 100 breaststroke record. Jacob Liu returns to the pool after time in indoor track and is expected to be a significant point scorer. Sophomore Dennis Likhoded, a former basketball player, brings size and athletic upside that translate well across multiple events.
 
The depth continues with juniors Thomas Minerva, Evan Schnatterly, and Jayden Huang, all of whom have shown steady improvement and increased confidence. Sophomore Wilson Han made a major leap after his freshman season and has returned with momentum, while Tyler Chen continues to develop. Freshman Kalei Kitayama has already demonstrated promising ability already making an impact in meets, with no previous background in swimming.
 
Diving: Numbers, Leadership, and Opportunity
 
Under Head Diving Coach Maureen Erickson, the diving program has seen one of its strongest turnouts in recent memory. Fourteen divers reported this preseason — a remarkable number considering typical enrollment usually sits around five to six athletes. The increased participation speaks volumes about the program’s growth and appeal.
 
On the boys side, the roster features all newcomers, including Sam Kaplan, John Killilea, Jack Goodwin, and Elliot Goodwin. While new to the sport, the group has shown enthusiasm, commitment, and steady progress toward competing full six-dive lists — no small feat for first-year divers.
 
The girls diving group is led by senior captain Jacqueline McGowan, whose consistency and composure under pressure set an exceptional standard. Her ability to perform when it matters most has made her a true tone-setter and role model for the entire diving program. She is joined by returning sophomores Lyla Hayes and Julia Hall, both of whom bring experience, skill, and a welcoming presence for newcomers. Many of the girls divers come from gymnastics backgrounds, a natural fit that has been a constant in the program over the years, dating back to the Ferraros in the 1970s and continuing today.
 
Caitlyn Hickey remains a valuable crossover asset, capable of completing all six dives when points are needed, while Freshman Hannah Slotnick arrives with exceptional athleticism and upside, and is a name to remember for this year and the years ahead. Additional newcomers Valentina Eckerle, Mackenzie Carey, Sophia Zeneski, Rose Donelly, Aurora Mosca, and Eliana Shamon (currently sidelined with injury but fully engaged with the team) round out a deep and motivated group.
 
A Program Built on Belonging
 
What ties Westwood Swimming and Diving together is not just wins or titles — it’s the belief that improvement is possible for everyone. From meticulous time tracking and video review to celebrating small victories, the program thrives on growth, depth, and shared success.
 
With leadership across the pool deck, rising talent on both sides, and unprecedented numbers in diving, Westwood enters the season confident — not because of guarantees, but because of the work already done.
 
In Westwood, the water doesn’t just reveal talent.
 
It reveals commitment.