The Wichita Eagle's 2026 All-Metro girls swim and dive team is a testament to the talent and dedication of the area's swimmers, divers, and coaches. This year's selections showcase the top performers in Sedgwick, Butler, and Harvey counties, with a strong emphasis on postseason success. The team is divided into three categories: first team, second team, and third team, each recognizing the achievements of these exceptional athletes.
One standout performer is Hollyn Griffin, a sophomore from Andover, who was named Swimmer of the Year. Her impressive performance at the Class 5A state meet, where she finished in the top three in all four of her events, solidifies her place on the All-Metro team. Griffin's talent is further highlighted by her victories in the AV-CTL Division II titles in all four of her events.
Another notable mention is Kaylonie Amphone-Suh, a freshman from East, who placed third in the 100 breaststroke and eighth in the 200 individual medley at the Class 6A state meet. Her strong finish to the season, including winning City League titles in all four of her events, earned her a first-time All-Metro selection. The same can be said for Sienna Hurst, a senior from Andover Central, who scored in two individual events and two relays at the Class 5-1A state meet, showcasing her versatility and skill.
The All-Metro team also includes Jordan Kleeman, a senior from East, who placed sixth in the 100 butterfly and fifth in the 100 backstroke at the Class 6A state meet. Her consistent performance throughout the season, including winning the City League title in the 100 backstroke, further cements her place on the team. Everley Maloney, a freshman from Kapaun Mt. Carmel, and Madelyn McCluskey, a junior from Maize South, also made their first-time All-Metro selections, demonstrating their potential for future success.
The team's success extends beyond individual achievements. The 200 medley relay from East, consisting of Jordan Kleeman, Kaylonie Amphone-Suh, Kaitlyn Ly, and June Schmidt, placed sixth at the Class 6A state meet and won the City League title. Similarly, Andover's 400 free relay, featuring Helena Melo, Ella Goodman, Madey Zerger, and Hollyn Griffin, placed third at the Class 5-1A state meet and won the AV-CTL Division II title. These team achievements showcase the power of collaboration and the strength of the area's swimming programs.
The All-Metro team also includes several coaches who have played a crucial role in the success of their athletes. Joe Hutchinson, the coach of East, guided his team to another City League championship and a sixth-place finish at the Class 6A state meet. Bethany Bastian, the coach of Andover, and Kirsten Nicholas, the coach of Andover Central, have also contributed significantly to the success of their respective teams.
In conclusion, the Wichita Eagle's 2026 All-Metro girls swim and dive team is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the area's swimmers, divers, and coaches. The team's success in the postseason, combined with their achievements throughout the season, showcases the talent and potential of these exceptional athletes. As we look forward to future competitions, it will be exciting to see how these talented individuals continue to excel and make their mark in the world of swimming.
