Wayne County girls swim teams boost depth, experience heading into 2025-26 season

Coached by Tammy Lyons, the Orrville Area Conglomerate features swimmers from Orrville, Dalton, Smithville, Waynedale and Tuslaw. Although the schools practice together, their athletes don’t compete on the same team in meets. Below is a brief look at area schools heading into the 2025-26 high school girls swimming and diving season, which will begin Nov. 24.

Orrville

Orrville returns five letter-winners in seniors Caelea Cochran (three-time district qualifier), Emma Nickles (2025 district qualifier), Rachel Anderson and Addison Troyer and junior Kinsley Martin (two-time district qualifier). Several newcomers will join them in sophomore Maddie Carter and freshmen Kaitlyn Boggs, Avery Grosjean, Zoe Kovacs, Maddison Kraft, Rozlyne Teague and Ava Veemara.

“This year’s team has gained tremendous depth,” Lyons said. “The six freshmen are diverse, talented and fast. This is going to be a very fun season for all of the girls. Twelve swimmers enable us to field three full relays, which will score a lot of points at invitationals.”

Waynedale

Waynedale returns two letter-winners in senior Anna Pittman, a three-time district qualifier and two-time state qualifier, and sophomore Makena Conrad.

“With the same swimmers returning this season, I look for (them) to be improving on personal-best times,” Lyons said. “Anna is a very strong swimmer and leader for this group.”

Dalton

Dalton returns four letter-winners in juniors Sara Geibel, Mariah Michaels and Lily Teague, all 2025 district qualifiers, and sophomore Grace Hostetler, a 2025 state qualifier.

“This season everyone will need to stay healthy if we hope to have a relay at competitions,” Lyons said. “With only four girls, there are no alternates. Another trip to the district meet for the relays is a strong possibility again this season. Grace is already showing she plans on returning to the state meet. All of the girls are returning district and state qualifiers, so they know what it takes to compete at that level.”

Smithville

Smithville returns one letter-winner in junior Bekah Bramlett, a 2025 district qualifier. She’ll be joined by freshmen Lena Durstine and Isabella Gadja.

“Bekah and Lena have both been swimming for many years and can compete in all of the events,” Lyons said. “Izzy is building endurance and mastering stroke technique.”