New Manchester first-year swim coach Kamaria Mahone is no stranger to the sport in Douglas County.
Mahone was a standout during her high school years at Chapel Hill and went on to swim collegiately at Campbell University in North Carolina.
Mahone said her Jaguars team this year is made up of four girls (Amari Powell-Jackson, Kendra Mwangi, Zoe Perry and Mojisola Abass) and two boys (Dallas Cade and Abram Horne).
She said her swimmers demonstrate determination, sportsmanship and a strong sense of unity at every meet.
"This is my first year as the head swim coach, and it has been a wonderful experience because of the athletes on this team," Mahone said. "The swimmers come to practice willing to learn, ready to work and motivated to do their best each day. They consistently show a desire to improve their skills, take feedback and push themselves to become stronger swimmers throughout the season, which has made this a truly rewarding year."
She added that one of the most rewarding aspects of this season has been the team's positive attitude and support for others, with swimmers always cheering for one another and showing respect and encouragement to swimmers from other teams.
Mahone noted that many of her swimmers are multi-sport athletes who stay active year-round. She pointed specifically to Horne, who competed on the cross country team and is trying out for soccer.
Perry, Mahone said, "stands out as the heart of the team and our strongest leader."
"As the only senior, she leads by example through her work ethic, positive attitude and dedication to both practice and competition," she said. "Zoe is dependable, encouraging and supportive, always motivating her teammates to stay focused and confident. Her leadership, experience and commitment have set a positive tone for the entire team and played a key role in making this season a success."