Diablo Valley College Men's Swimming: 2024-25 Season Preview

As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Diablo Valley College (DVC) Men's and Women's Swimming teams are set to dive into another competitive year. Following a strong 2023-24 campaign, the Vikings return with a blend of experienced sophomores and fresh talent, ready to make waves both in the Big 8 Conference and at the CCCAA State Championships.

Recap of the 2023-24 Season Last season saw the Vikings showcasing their resilience and determination across numerous competitive meets. With standout performances at the Miyashiro Invitational and the Big 8 Conference Meet, DVC demonstrated depth and versatility. The team's dedication culminated in a strong showing at the CCCAA State Championships, where several swimmers posted personal bests and contributed to the team's overall success.

Returning Leaders The 2024-25 roster features key returners who made significant contributions last season. Sophomores like Jackson Barnacal (College Park, Pleasant Hill), Shawn Canada (Clayton Valley Charter, Concord), Peter Choi (Suwon High School, South Korea), and Ethan Delange (St. Vincent St. Patrick, Vallejo) bring both leadership and competitive experience. Their growth and development over the past year position them as pivotal figures in the team's pursuit of conference titles and state-level success.

New Faces, New Energy Complementing the returning athletes is a talented group of freshmen eager to make their mark. Swimmers like Neil Apollo Bocalan (California High School, San Ramon), Thomas Colpo (Campolindo High School), and Raymond Fitch (Heritage High School, Brentwood) bring fresh energy and competitive spirit. This influx of new talent adds depth to the roster and creates a dynamic team environment.

Women's Team Spotlight The DVC Women's Swimming team also boasts an impressive lineup for the 2024-25 season. Returning standout Giordanna Zuniga (Northgate High School, Walnut Creek) and sophomore Natalie-Mae Garfias (Berean Christian High School, Walnut Creek) provide leadership and experience. They are joined by a dynamic freshman class, including Bella Fonseca (Carondelet High School, Concord), Brianna Smyth (Berkeley High School, Berkeley), and Maya Canada (Clayton Valley Charter High School, Clayton).

With strong representation from local high schools, the women's team is poised to compete fiercely in conference and state competitions, showcasing depth across various events.

Key Meets to Watch

• Jan. 25: The Alumni Meet/Time Trials will kick off the season, offering fans an early glimpse of the team's potential and an opportunity to honor past Vikings.

• Feb. 28 - Mar. 1: The Viking Invitational, hosted at DVC, promises to be a highlight of the season as the team defends its home turf.

• Apr. 17-19: The Big 8 Conference Meet will be a pivotal moment in the season, with DVC aiming to secure top honors in conference standings.

• May 1-3: The CCCAA State Championships will serve as the ultimate test of the team's progress, where the Vikings hope to make a strong statement on the state stage.

Building on a Strong Foundation Under the guidance of Head Coach Trisha Quan and her dedicated coaching staff, the Vikings continue to emphasize a culture of excellence, resilience, and teamwork. The coaching staff's focus on technique, mental toughness, and team cohesion has been instrumental in the program's sustained success.

With a balanced mix of veteran leadership and promising newcomers, the 2024-25 season holds great promise for Diablo Valley College Men's and Women's Swimming. Fans can expect thrilling races, personal bests, and a team that embodies the Viking spirit both in and out of the pool.