Walnut, Calif. – After capturing the first 3C2A State Championship in program history, the Mt. San Antonio College Women's Swim and Dive Team returns to the pool with confidence, experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

"Well obviously, we are rolling in after last year's state championship title," said head coach Chris Jackson. "The sophomores know what that is about and what it takes to compete well at the end of the season."

While Mt. SAC graduated several key contributors from last year's winning squad, Jackson believes the returning athletes bring invaluable postseason experience that will carry over into this season.

"I think this year's sophomores, with that experience, will be swimming fast at the end," Jackson said. "We're expecting to be in the top. I don't know if we can repeat it, but we will be in the top."

The Mounties roster features 17 athletes, including several returners with state championship experience. Among them are diver Lily Burson, along with swimmers Eden Buell, Spencer Damaske, and Megan Venegas.

 "They experienced what state was about—and they are good leaders," Jackson said. They're all swimming well again this season, so that will help."

Mt. SAC also welcomes a talented incoming class, highlighted by freshman Megan Medina (Rancho Cucamonga) and distance swimmer Autumn Moya (Centennial).

"We've got some nice pieces," Jackson added. "And maybe there will be some sophomores who didn't make state last year who rise to the level this year."

Jackson credits last season's championship run with boosting the program's recruiting profile.

"That success got our name out there and brought in some of these fast freshmen that are going to be really important for us this year."

The Mounties will be tested early, opening the season against strong competition up north including American River and Las Positas before diving into conference action the following week.

"We're going to see some fast teams to open the season," Jackson said. "That will help us start to see what other teams have."

Among the expected challengers are conference rival Long Beach, as well as perennial contenders such as American River, Golden West, and Orange Coast.

"There are always a couple that just pop up," Jackson noted. "We'll also see good competition at the Mt. SAC Collegiate Invite at the end of February."

As the season unfolds, Jackson is eager to see how his team responds to high-level competition and embraces the culture of collegiate swimming.

"It's different than high school swimming," he explained. "Every meet is a big deal. Watching them lock into that competition phase is what I'm most looking forward to."

The Mounties' goals are clear—and elevated following last season's success.

"Winning conference is always a goal," Jackson said. "Now, that we've been at the very top, we want to stay in the top three at state. That's our new echelon."

Maintaining championship standards is a daily focus for the program.

"We practice how we race," Jackson said. "Legal touches, legal finishes—if you don't practice it, it won't happen naturally. We keep the standards high every day."

With a target on their backs, the Mounties are embracing the challenge.

"Everybody loves to beat Mt. SAC," Jackson said with a smile. "It's fun to be up in the front with the target. We're excited for the season."

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.