The Kinkaid swim team is diving into the new season with more momentum than it has seen in years, as returning athletes and one of the best freshman groups in recent memory bring new depth and enthusiasm to the program.

After a strong showing last year, the team has seen a surge of early-season participation, something coaches said reflects a growing culture of commitment and camaraderie.

For many swimmers, the excitement around returning to the water began months before the first meet.

Freshman Kameron Kashani said he had long looked forward to joining the Kinkaid program and training under Head Coach Scott Meyer.

“I was drawn to the swim team because I knew Coach Meyer would help me, and I wanted to swim for Kinkaid,” Kashani said.

Kashani has trained far beyond scheduled team time, attending Monday morning practices at school, swimming with his club team six times a week, and lifting five times a week.

In total, he estimated that he logs nearly four extra hours of training daily. A breaststroke specialist, he said he hopes to build on a first-place finish at Gulf Summer Champs as he pursues a 1:05.39 in the 100 breaststroke this season.

Freshman Olivia Overman said the transition to high school swim has been smooth, thanks to a familiar environment and a supportive team culture.

“We had conjoined meets last year in middle school, which helped me get to know the team even before my high school season,” Overman said. “Getting to know the team has been easy as it’s a very welcoming community.”

Overman said she is aiming to drop her 100 breaststroke time from 1:22 to the 1:18–1:19 range. She said the relay atmosphere and team unity are what she looks forward to most at meets.

With returning upperclassmen setting the tone and driven freshmen pushing the pace, Kinkaid enters the season poised for one of its most competitive years yet.