Dive Right In: Decorah Girls Swimming Ready for New Season

From the big stories to the little moments, your support helps us cover it all. DECORAH — Head Girls Swimming Coach Allie Schultz is optimistic about the upcoming season. The team lost eight seniors, but they return a core group of state qualifiers: Karly Alstad, Elizabeth Bucksa, Jenna Schissel and Payge Webb. "It is going to be another great season with a solid group of returning swimmers and some new faces that will add depth to the team," said Schultz. At practice, multiple swimmers occupied each lane, while some girls were on the diving board. Top 40 pop music played loudly over the speakers, and the girls were in good spirits as they used kickboards or practiced their dives. "It is a great bunch of girls to coach," said Schultz. "They are extremely coachable and have already created a great culture." Despite the pop music and easygoing nature of practice, the girls take the work seriously—swimming solo or in groups. Coach Schultz affirmed, "The girls are all ready to work hard and learn new skills." The bar is set high for some of the returning swimmers, and while that broad outlook is important to the team, Coach Schultz is committed to the daily successes first, which will lead to the larger, end-of-season goals. About the team's overall goals, Coach Schultz said, "[We want to] improve every day and be the best we can be in and out of the pool." A good coach understands that improvements and successes aren't limited to one part of life, but permeate all aspects. Schultz is committed to supporting every girl on the team—helping them to make those everyday decisions that lead to achieving both their individual and team goals. The team has been hard at work at practice and starts competition Thursday, Aug. 27, when they host Mason City and Waterloo United for a triangular meet at Luther College. Competition starts at 6 p.m. Don't miss what's happening around Decorah. Get the news in your inbox.