Long Island girls swimming team faces tough competition in 2024
- Emily Herr was named the Newsday Swimmer of the Year for her outstanding high school swimming career.
- Victoria Wang, a junior diver, excelled in the Nassau diving championships and committed to Harvard.
- The successes of these athletes emphasize the strength of high school swim and dive programs on Long Island.
In the realm of high school athletics, particularly in swimming and diving, the recently announced accolades highlight remarkable achievements among young athletes in the Long Island region of New York. Emily Herr from Shoreham-Wading River was honored as the Newsday Swimmer of the Year, a recognition that underscores her exceptional talent and accomplishments. Her club swim coach, Mark Anderson, expressed immense pride in Herr's journey, noting her ability to set and achieve significant goals, including her dream of becoming a state champion, which she accomplished before concluding her high school career. Herr expressed excitement about continuing her swimming journey at Villanova University. Additionally, Victoria Wang from Manhasset was named the Newsday Diver of the Year following her outstanding performance in the Nassau 1-meter diving championships, where she secured first place. Wang's success was marked by a score of 563.70, and she shared her joy at reclaiming her title after previous competitions. Committing to Harvard University, Wang looks forward to carrying on her diving career at the collegiate level. Among the other notable athletes, Sarah Larsen, a senior at Sacred Heart, showcased her prowess by finishing third in the Federation in the 500 freestyle and achieving several top placements in other events. Meanwhile, Sarah Lucca excelled by winning state titles in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, affirming her status as a leading competitor in the state. Moreover, Zangaro earned the state title in the 200 freestyle and contributed to a championship relay team, underlining the team's overall strength and competitive excellence. This year's recognition also includes Coach Sean Montalvo from Hauppauge-Smithtown, who has been pivotal in leading his team to significant achievements, culminating in a team victory at the state championships. His decade-long dedication to coaching has yielded one of the program's most successful seasons, demonstrating the impact of strong leadership in developing young talent. Overall, the achievements of these athletes reflect not only individual excellence but also the strength of their respective teams and coaching support.