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2023 REWIND :: Swim Team's Aquatic Odyssey Through A Season of Triumphs

Dec 31, 2023

WE ARE TROY


Fullerton, CA - Troy High School's Swim Team, led by the exceptional Head Coach Summer Driessen, has emerged as a powerhouse in the Southern California swimming circuit, achieving unprecedented success in the 2022-2023 season. Coach Driessen's coaching prowess was duly recognized as she was named the 2023 Freeway League Swim Coach of the Year, a fitting tribute to her instrumental role in the team's accomplishments.


The Boys Varsity team, under Coach Driessen's guidance, clinched the 2023 Freeway League Championship, marking a stellar achievement in a season filled with triumphs. The team's performance was further highlighted by their impressive rankings in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Division 1, securing top spots in both Men's Short Course Yards (SCY) Dual and Men's SCY Championship events.


As of June 2023, the 2022-2023 season saw Troy High School's Swim Team ranked #29 in California for Men's SCY Dual and #37 for Men's SCY Championship, underscoring their consistent excellence in both individual and team events. Their dominance extended to being ranked #1 in the highly competitive Southern Section Division 1 for Men's SCY in both Dual and Championship categories.


Individual achievements and accolades further illuminated the team's success, with six athletes earning the coveted title of 2023 All-League Recipients. The team boasted an impressive 13 qualifiers for the CIF-SS D1, showcasing their diverse skill set across events such as the 50 Free, 100 Fly, 100 Free, 100 Breaststroke, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, and various relays.


The pinnacle of the season culminated in the 2023 CIF State Championship, where Troy High School's swimmers competed at the highest level. Notable performances included alternate positions for Tony Zheng (Class of 2023) in the 50 Freestyle and Kevin Yum (Junior) in the 200 Freestyle, as well as standout showings in the 500 Free, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay.


Records fell like dominos throughout the season, reshaping both school and league history at the hands of Troy High School's exceptional swimmers. Tony Zheng made a remarkable impact, establishing a swift school record in the 50 Freestyle at 20.95, while Ty Leon Guerrero (Senior) demonstrated his excellence in the 100 Breaststroke with a record-breaking time of 59.06. The relay teams further etched their place in history, setting unprecedented standards in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay.


Freeway League Records were shattered as well, with the 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay teams setting new benchmarks that will be remembered for years to come. The teamwork and determination displayed by Ty Leon Guerrero, Kevin Yum, Tony Zheng, and Theo Sohn (Senior) in these events secured their places in the league's history books.


Jason He (Sophomore) and his impressive performance in events like the 200 Medley Relay and 100 Breast, earned him consideration in CIF-SS D1, as he played a pivotal role in securing the team's success and contributing to their championship victories. 


The standout Girls Varsity swimmers also made their mark as 2023 CIF-SS D2 Qualifiers, with impressive performances across various multiple events. These young athletes, including Captains Eileen Seo and Kaylee Gong (Class of 2023,) Mandy Greco (Sophomore,) and Celeste Flores (Senior,) who demonstrated skill, dedication, and teamwork throughout their journey.


Swimmers Porsche Boonruang (Junior,) Elvina Liou (Sophomore,) Sara Patel (Junior,) and Amaris Ward (Senior) secured CIF-SS considerations by showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication earning recognition for their outstanding performances in various events.


Adding a touch of celebrity support, 12-time Olympic Medalist Ryan Lochte gave a special shout-out to the Troy High School Swim Team, recognizing their incredible 2023 achievements and highlighted the importance of sportsmanship in the world of competitive swimming.


The accolades didn't stop there, as Superintendent Steve McLaughlin and Board Trustee and President Joanne Fawley took a moment during the June 2023 Board Meeting to recognize Troy High School's Swim Team CIF-State Qualifiers. Coach Driessen and the swimmers were commended for their exceptional accomplishments, championship titles, and record-breaking performances.


Troy High School's Swim Team celebrated not only the collective triumphs but also the individual efforts and growth of its swimmers during the Team Sports Banquet at Coyote Hills Golf Course in May. The event, a culmination of the 2022-2023 season, honored outstanding athletes across various categories, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent within the team.


Six athletes were named 2023 All-League Recipients. The recipients include Tony Zheng, Luke Leon Guerrero, Ty Leon Guerrero, Eileen Seo, Theo Sohn, and Kevin Yum. Their achievements not only contributed to the team's success but also earned them well-deserved recognition within the highly competitive Freeway League.


Eileen Seo claimed the prestigious title of the 2023 Troy High School Female Scholar Athlete. This accolade recognizes not only her outstanding achievements in the pool but also her dedication to academic excellence. Eileen's commitment to both her studies and athletic pursuits exemplifies the well-rounded qualities that make her a true scholar-athlete at Troy High School.


Joseph Buehler, Natalee Winberg, and Dana Zins, were recognized for their improvement over the course of the season, earning them the title of the 2023 Most Improved Swimmer. Their dedication to refining their skills and achieving personal milestones was a testament to the ethos of continuous growth fostered by the coaching staff. The 2023 Coaches Award, a recognition of exceptional contributions and team spirit, was bestowed upon Luke Leon Guerrero and Celeste Flores. These swimmers exemplified qualities that extended beyond individual performance, contributing to the overall camaraderie and unity of the team. 


Jacob Pan and Benji Lee stood out as the recipients of the 2023 Frosh | Soph MVP Award, signifying outstanding achievements among the freshman and sophomore members of the team. Their talent and dedication undoubtedly set a high standard for the future of Troy High School's Swim Team.


Acknowledging the valuable contributions of junior varsity athletes, Ryan Qi and Anya Pramanick were honored with the 2023 JV MVP award. Their exceptional performances in the junior varsity category showcased the depth of talent within the team, hinting at a promising future for Troy High School's Swim Team.


Theo Sohn and Eileen Seo, recognized as the 2023 Most Outstanding, demonstrated unparalleled excellence in their performances. His achievements not only contributed to the team's success but also set a benchmark for his peers, embodying the highest standards of skill and sportsmanship.


Earning the highest coveted and well-deserved title of 2023 Varsity MVP was Kevin Yum and graduating senior and Captain, Kaylee Leong. Their exceptional talent, leadership on the team, and significant contributions to the overall success of the varsity squad made them true standout performers throughout the season.


Mandy Greco, known for her adaptability and skills across various events, was aptly bestowed the title of 2023 Most Versatile. Her ability to excel in different disciplines showcased not only her athleticism but also her adaptability and commitment to the team's diverse needs.


The Swim Team collectively surpassed not only their personal best times but also elevated beyond the seasonal benchmarks set in previous years. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement, each swimmer showcased resilience and dedication, contributing to the team's overall success in the pool. This achievement reflects the unwavering spirit of excellence cultivated within the Troy Swim Team, setting a new standard for future seasons.


These awards and accomplishments served as a poignant reminder of the collective strength and unity that defines Troy High School's Swim Team. Each athlete, from the most improved to the most outstanding, contributed to the team's success, creating a legacy of excellence that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Troy High School swimmers.


In conclusion, Troy High School's Swim Team, guided by the visionary coaching of Summer Driessen, has not only secured championships and broken records but has created a legacy of resilience, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication. The 2022-2023 season will be remembered not just for the victories in the pool but for the indomitable spirit of the athletes who made it a season to be cherished in the annals of Troy High School's proud history.

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