When the spring sports season begins on February 4, Tam swimmers will notice a series of changes regarding how practices are run and new members of the coaching staff, including second year science teacher Lara Corkrey as the girls head coach. As this season approaches, both the girls and boys head coaches from last year have resigned, leaving open positions and policy changes in their absence.

One of those changes is that practice, previously separated by team and thus gender, is now co-ed. Ken Weber, last year’s JV girls coach, is now overseeing both teams.

At Tam, swimming is a very popular sport with a no-cut policy. The last Tam season left the boys with their fourth consecutive MCAL win, and girls in fourth place after Redwood, Marin Catholic, and Drake.

Sophomore and returning varsity swimmer Kelsey Norton said, “I’m honest to god super pumped to have Ms. Corkrey as our coach.” Norton, as well as many of her teammates, is looking forward to the opportunity to change it up on the pool deck. She added, “We only have room for improvement.”

In swimming, like any other sport, coaches are critically important to the success of the team. “It all depends on who your coach is,” sophomore and returning varsity swimmer Caroline Frost said. “If they don’t push you, you won’t push yourself.”

Corkrey herself is a swimmer with experience in open water swimming, triathlons, and U.S. Masters adult swimming. “I knew how to swim before I could walk,” Corkrey said. Corkrey currently swims five to six days a week. “I hope to strengthen my relationships with the swimmers,” Corkrey said. “I hope to get to know students outside of the classroom. I hope to help the girls reach their full potential as athletes and have fun doing so.”