Lakeland High School’s young swimming program competes in its third year of existence, searching for an inaugural win to help establish some significant confidence.

Leading the effort this year is new head coach Beth Brant. While she has never swum competitively, “I got into swimming recreationally in college,” she said. She later went on to teach it.

Brant currently serves as a speech language pathologist for Suffolk Public Schools.

“One of the swimmers asked me to apply a couple of times, and after talking to the athletic director, I ended up applying for the position,” Brant stated in an email. “This is my first year coaching swimming at the high school level.”

Low numbers have been a factor for Lakeland in the pool. However, the Virginia High School League’s recent changes mean the Cavs will only have to compete against schools of like size for conference, regional and state titles.

“I feel that we should do better with this alignment,” Brant stated.

Last year, the team had 30 swimmers; this year, that number shrinks to 25. A notable loss to graduation is Philip Rankin, who came the closest to qualifying for regionals out of all Lakeland swimmers last season.

Brant has certainly been afforded many teaching opportunities.

“Over half the team (this season) had no previous swim instruction in the four competitive strokes until we started our pool practices in November,” she stated.

The girls’ team has 14 members and the boys’ team has 11, though only eight will be competing today against King’s Fork High School. One is sidelined by a heart condition and two are wrestlers who have a conflicting meet.

While the challenges are significant, Brant outlined progressive goals for the teams.

“I would like them to secure that first win within their district,” Brant stated. “The boys only lost by 11 points against Indian River last weekend, the closest to a win yet. They have that hunger in their eyes and such spirit and dedication. They continue to grow and improve in their swimming technique, overall event times, and in their attitudes.”

She also has high hopes for how far some of the swimmers could advance individually.

“I truly believe that several of them have the possibility of going to regionals and a few even to state if they continue to commit to their team and to themselves,” she stated.

She said, “Casey (White) really stands a shot,” referring to her senior swimmer who is a captain for the girls’ team. White specializes in the breaststroke.

Junior Megan Cox is a standout for the girls’ team in the backstroke and 200 freestyle.

For the boys’ team, junior Shaquon Woods has potential for reaching states, specializing in the 100 freestyle. Senior Greg Epps is also a state possibility. His primary events are the breaststroke and 100 freestyle.

The teams feature some up-and-comers, including sophomore Cody Lawrence, who is developing nicely in the 400 freestyle event.

Sophomore Leia Dotson has already caught Brant’s attention in the backstroke and 100 free.

“She had no prior swim instruction in the competitive strokes until this season,” Brant stated. “She won first in her heat in the 100 free last weekend, and her time is right behind our top backstroke swimmer, Megan Cox.”

Lakeland faces off against King’s Fork High School today at the Great Bridge Swim and Racquet Club. The start time is set for 2 p.m.