The swimming and diving team has accomplished many things this 2014-2015 school year, including their advancement to regionals.

In the District 11-5A meet last weekend, the boys placed third overall, and the girls finished fifth. For the swimmers, many personal best times were made, records that were years old were broken, and the team itself was rebuilt.

“Probably the absolute best part is seeing a swimmer’s face as they finish a race, look up to the clock and see a new personal best,” head swimming coach Shannon Mistr said.

Along with swimming and training together, the athletes are able to establish friendships with each other. The swimmers are brought together through their love for swimming, as well as discovering things they have in common with one another.

“My favorite part about being on the swimming team is probably the people,” senior Annemarie Spiker said. “They’re stellar, and we’re all really close,”

In diving, senior Matthew Phillip set the new Liberty 11 dive record, as well as the Frisco Natatorium record, with a score of 486.90 out of 500. Phillip also placed first this season at the Frisco Invitational, FISD Diving Invitational, TISCA diving championships and the District 9-5A Championship Meet. He signed a letter of intent to dive for Louisiana State University next fall.

Junior Lauren Burrell also set a new Liberty 11 dive record with a score of 427.35 out of 500. Burrell took gold this season at the Cougar Classic, Frisco Invitational, FISD Diving Invitational, TISCA championships and the District 9-5A Championship Meet.

Melissa Soileau, the head diving coach, works with the divers to learn more advanced dives. At the beginning of each year, she helps the divers set goals that the athletes would like to achieve and at what specific meet they want to reach it by.

“As we go through the season I have the opportunity to see each practice how they are getting closer to that goal,” Soileau said. “I also love getting to know my divers on a personal level and being someone they know will support them.”

The Region III-5A meet for swimming and diving will be on Feb. 6-7 at the Frisco Natatorium. The UIL Swimming and Diving State Meet will be on Feb. 20-21 in Austin.