September, 23, 2025 - As the Knight Sharks get ready for their upcoming season this fall, let’s dive in and see their hard work ethic and preparations. We'll also talk with coach Balandran and the captains of the swim team to hear what some of the swimmers have to say and feel about this year's season.

Our Knight swimmers have worked tirelessly, both in and out of the water, whether it's freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, or breaststroke. Our swimmers take their time and dedication to this sport very seriously and consistently. Our 4-year veterans are ready to make this season a phenomenal and unforgettable season that they won’t forget. The class of 2026 has maintained their little traditions from their freshman year to now, passing them on to the new classes that’ll hopefully keep these traditions alive for many years to come.

The Knight swimmers can often agree that swimming is not just a sport where individuals may think “it’s easy” or “it’s difficult” - in reality it’s both. Swimming is a physical and mental sport where you’re pushing yourself,. Swimming is an individual sport where swimmers are focused on themselves in the water, mentally pushing themselves to get to the last 25 of their race (last lap of the race). Swimming is a challenging sport, but our Knight Sharks take the challenge to excel in various events and strokes they perform in the water to represent their team and our school. 

Last season, our Knight Sharks were able to achieve 2nd place for boys and girls, 5th place at districts. The Knight Sharks say that they were “so close”. Swim season is approaching, and with the hard work coach Balandran and coach Vandagrif have put in for the swimmers, both coaches are confident that the Knight Sharks will take home the win for districts and hopefully send as many swimmers as possible to regionals. Our freshman fishers have already demonstrated their dedication and pride in swimming and are excited about the upcoming swim meets after fall intersession. Our previous sophomore star fish and junior jellyfish are working 10x harder and are thrilled to start their next season.

Here's what coach Balandran thinks about this year's season. 

Coach Balandran: “I’m very excited to see what the swimmers can accomplish this year, as well as seeing what our new swimmers can achieve, and getting our whole team to regionals. I’m very thrilled to see the turnout of the team and how many people are interested in swimming. I can’t wait to see what this year’s got for us and to see what the swimmers will accomplish. I felt atomistic and hopeful. At first, everyone was struggling for the first few practices. But in the end, we got everyone to find their stokes and we have a great team. I want to get the team prepared for Districts competitions and qualify them for regionals. We have enough people in the team, and this is going to be our year. It feels strange because I never imagined I would be involved for so long. I’ve been coaching for 10 years, and I’ve spent 3 years at Hank's, and I hope to make the other team proud.”

Let's hear a word from our 2025-2026 swimers.

Edwin Banuelos: “I think this year’s swim season will go amazing due to the many personalities each individual brings to the team. I know we can accomplish our own personal achievements in the water”

Here are some of the seniors in the team who are ready to jump back into the pool for their last time.  

Luiria Acuna: “Swimming is a fun sport that teaches you discipline and to work hard for what you want to achieve. I’m excited to start another year of swimming, and I hope I accomplish as much as I can before I leave.”

Joseph Magallanes: “Looking at the team right now, we're looking pretty strong, got a good amount of bright faces ready for the water. I know with time that we could be real beasts in the water.” 

Hazel Dominguez: “Being on the team means to be included, everyone is included.”

Jasmin Sanchez (pictured below): “My goal for this year is to get the swim team more recognition, because I feel like we are not as recognized as other sports. I want to motivate the team to push themselves so we can get to regionals and hopefully state this year. I’m excited for this year, and I know we will do great.”