Cougars dive into new league

Under the guidance of Head Coach Ella Thramann, now in her third season, the Niwot High School (NHS) girls swim and dive team is gearing up for a challenging, but promising season. A 2019 NHS graduate, Thramann brings a deep connection to the program.

This year, the Cougars face a new challenge as they compete in the Class 4A division of the 4A/5A Granite Peaks League for the first time. Known for its high level of competition, the league includes larger schools with deep rosters and a wealth of talent. The move marks an exciting new chapter for the Cougars, who finished fifteenth at last year's Class 4A state championship.

Preparation for this season began early. "Being in a more competitive league, we needed to get fit and get our new swimmers up to speed," said Thramann. "The main goal this year is for everyone to drop time by the end of the season, and stay fit, while also having fun."

The team boasts a solid core of returning athletes who are expected to play pivotal roles in the pool. Among them are junior Ava Altenborg and senior Devi Burnett, whose experience and skill will set the tone for the season. Additionally, the Cougars welcome an exciting new addition in freshman Kyrie Moorman, whom Thramann describes as bringing "great talent" to the squad.

Diving continues to be a strong suit for Niwot, thanks to senior Izzy Fay, who won gold at the state championship last year. Fay has been training with renewed focus and determination as she prepares to defend her title and set new records for the program.

"I've started diving club to be more consistent on the board, I've taken the mental component of diving more seriously, and I'm preparing for diving in college, which has motivated me to keep pushing myself," said Fay, who recently signed a National Letter of Intent to swim at California State University Bakersfield. Her goals for the season include breaking the school's six-dive and 11-dive records, as well as surpassing her score from last year's state meet.

The transition to the Granite Peaks League brings both challenges and opportunities for the team. "There are bigger schools with much more competitive teams and tons of talent," Thramann acknowledged. "It will definitely be tough competition, but we're excited. Being with these bigger schools will bring more competitiveness to the table, which I think will push my girls to work harder and perform on their level."

"I am most excited to see a lot of girls qualify for state, as well as getting to watch all the new talent that has been brought to us this year," she said. The Cougars are also focused on fostering a strong sense of team camaraderie and ensuring that the season is both rewarding and enjoyable for all athletes. As the team balances rigorous training with the challenges of the new league, Thramann remains committed to creating an environment where every athlete can thrive.

With a mix of experienced leaders, promising new talents, and a spirit of determination, the Niwot girls swim and dive team is poised to make a splash in the Granite Peaks League. As the season unfolds, the Cougars will look to build on their legacy.