Swimming is underway in Hampshire County, with five teams hitting the pools to begin the winter. Here’s an inside look at each area team as the 2025-26 season gets going:
Belchertown
Coach: Michael Cowles (boys), Johanna Manduley (girls)
League: Minuteman
The Orioles were headlined by Grace Perron last season, who took home the state title in the 500-yard freestyle as a freshman. Fellow incoming sophomore Addyson Thomas also competed at the state championships last year, while Aubrey Harrington and Valerie Williams rounded out the group, but have since graduated from Belchertown.
After a sixth-place finish in the Division 2 state meet and a third-place finish in sectionals last season, the Orioles boys hope to build off an impressive campaign this year. The team returns a strong group of returners who project to make the unit one that will compete at a high level throughout the season.
With 18 boys on the roster, there is a good mix of experienced swimmers alongside new talent looking to prove themselves. Ryan Gould and Ryan Shea headline a four-man senior class, with juniors Drake Dragon and J.R. Zolgar forming a big-four that should be the main standouts this season.
This squad’s second tier of swimmers will be relied on heavily this year, with many of them just off the sectionals qualifying times last year.
Easthampton
Coach: Carla Soutra
League: Constitution
The Eagles will feature an all-girls team this season, with head coach Carla Soutra heading into her 29th year of coaching.
Freshman Karolina Robak is the lone new swimmer joining the team, with eight returners. Juniors Allie St. Pierre and Lily O’Connell are the only upperclassmen on the team, alongside sophomores Kayleigh Hogan and Telyn Kelly, freshman Lexi Gauger, eighth grader Lauren Filipek, and seventh graders Taylor St. Pierre and Hazel Chute.
Northampton
Coach: Peter Davis
League: Patriot
The Blue Devils head into the new season without their best swimmer from the year prior. Amalia Guerra graduated after winning the title in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke at last season’s state championships.
Caeil Killip-Leonard also graduated after an 11th-place finish in the state championships diving competition last year. With multiple spots opening up, Northampton will be relying on new swimmers to take over.
Amherst
Coach: Denise Leckenby
League: Minuteman
The Hurricanes girls had a great showing at last season’s state championships, finishing in sixth place overall. Incoming senior Finnley Chambers was the runner-up in the 200-yard freestyle, along with fifth in the 500-yard freestyle.
Rowan Albertson is also entering her senior campaign, taking home second place in the 100-yard backstroke and third in the 50-yard freestyle at the state championships.
Holyoke
Coach: Megan Haber
League: Patriot
The Purple Knights had 10 seniors graduate after last season, with eight new seniors taking over leadership roles this year. The boys placed ninth in sectionals last season, while the girls ended in 18th.