An “irreplaceable senior class” is the best way to sum it up. 

Charleston’s second-place finish at the IHSA Sectional last season was historic. However, the loss of those swimmers, including senior Angela Coe, will take its impact. Coe, a 2023 graduate, decided to forgo her senior year as she trains for Junior Nationals before heading to compete for the University of Texas. 

Coe completed one of the greatest individual seasons an athlete from the school has ever accomplished. Coe earned two third-place medals at the IHSA state swimming championships, which included third place in the 200 individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly. Her performance was so great that she was one of three swimmers that broke the previous state mark in the 200-individual medley. 

Even before this historic finish, Coe was sought out by many major schools in the nation. According to Coe, she was talking to Texas, Virginia, California Berkeley, Michigan, Florida, Louisville, Tennessee, Ohio State, South Carolina, Arizona State, and Georgia. 

“Angie is an amazing swimmer and teammate and we will certainly miss her,” said head coach Dwight Pentzien, who named the sectional coach of the year. “She has elected to swim with her club team in preparation for swimming at this year’s US Winter National meet and for the University of Texas swim team next fall.”

Returning to the team will be five swimmers that include seniors Liv Evely, Delaney Goddard, and Taylor Ratliff. Goddard placed seventh at the Sectional in the 500 freestyle. Evely will compete in the freestyle, while Ratliff will compete in the backstroke. 

The team also has two juniors in Jessica Hoh, who finished top-10 at sectionals in both the 100 backstroke and freestyle. Eva Zheng will compete in the breastroke

Chelsie Doughty, a science teacher at CHS, joins Pentzien as co-head coach this year while Kirsten Pentzien stays on as  an assistant coach.

“Our goals for this season would be, on a personal level, for each of our swimmers to improve their strength and technique and end the season with personal best times in their events,” said Pentzien. “As far as team goals, we want our swimmers to work hard and have fun. Our second-place finish at IHSA Sectionals last season, unfortunately, will be unobtainable due to our numbers and the loss of an irreplaceable senior class.”

ROSTER

Seniors: Liv Evely, Delaney Goddard, Taylor Ratliff

Juniors: Jessica Hoh, Eva Zheng