Lions Capture Coast Title
Notes from Coach Jeff Bissell:
The De Anza College Swim & Dive program delivered a dominant showing at the Coast Conference championships this past weekend at home, highlighted by a combined team title and standout performances across both the men's and women's teams.
On the men's side, De Anza captured the Coast Conference championship with a complete and balanced team effort. De Anza secured nine conference titles, including eight individual event wins and one relay, and swept the IM events to showcase versatility across the lineup.
The team's depth showed with 19 all-conference swims and three all-conference finishes in diving.
Leading the way, Gunner Hopkins earned Co-Men's Swimmer of the Year honors after an outstanding meet that included conference titles in the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 butterfly.
Brandon Wang added to the dominance with individual event victories in the 100 IM and 100 backstroke, setting a new conference record in the 100 IM and earning Co-Performance of the Meet honors.
In diving, Milo Switzer was named Men's Diver of the Year after sweeping both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards.
The men's success extended to the coaching staff, as Tammy Hopkins, Danielle Altman, and Jeffrey Bissell were named Coast Conference Men's Coaches of the Year.
On the women's side, De Anza finished second overall while putting together one of the most impressive performances in program history.
De Anza captured 13 conference championships out of 21 total events, including 10 individual event titles and three relays, and matched the men by sweeping the IM events.
Individually, Erika Correa and Petrina Olson were named Co-Women's Swimmers of the Meet after dominant performances across multiple events.
Correa won the 500 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 200 butterfly, and earned Women's Performance of the Meet honors with her performance in the 500 freestyle - which is the fastest time in the state this season.
Olson was equally impressive, claiming individual event titles in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 IM.
Overall, the women's team recorded 21 all-conference performances, highlighting both elite results and strong depth throughout the lineup.
Together, the men's and women's teams combined to secure the overall Coast Conference championship, capping off a remarkable meet defined by individual excellence, team depth, and championship-level performances.
De Anza Aquatics now turns its focus to the 3C2A Swim & Dive Championships, taking place April 30-May 2 at Orange Coast College.
The Mountain Lions will be represented by 18 athletes and is aiming to place both the men's and women's teams inside the top 10 in the state, building on the momentum from a highly successful conference meet.