Even with star Ashley Forsyth injured for most of the season and unable to repeat as a state titlist, coach Kate Doane led Cheyenne Mountain to the 4A Metro League title and a fourth-place finish at state.

The Indians had 15 swimmers competing a total of 22 times, one diver and all three relays qualify for the state meet — surprisingly, an improvement from last year when the team placed third.

“Our numbers were the same, but we had more girls qualify for state,” Doane said. “I think the girls were just more driven this year.”

And that was key to the success of the team, which lost just two duals — to 5A Lewis-Palmer and eventual 4A champ Thompson Valley — this season even with Forsyth out with an injured back.

“This year due to the fact that we had some really big meets and were lacking a lot of point-winners, that just really helped the team,” Doane said. “It just showed that we can do this, we can work hard, we can get behind each other and still do good.”

Doane had a little adversity of her own. She gave birth to her son Townes — who Doane’s boys’ swimming team refers to as “Poseidon” — four days after the season started.

“The girls all took care of him,” Doane said. “He was our mascot this year.”

Doane wasn’t able to get back in the water herself until the week of March 14. But she never stops coaching, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love coaching,” said Doane, a physical education teacher at Gold Camp Elementary. “I love watching boys and girls progress. It’s fun to see the excitement in their eyes. It’s fun to see their faces when they know they can do it. It’s fun to have that connection with the kids.”

Laura Day will compete in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials this summer. Photo by JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE

Jerilee Bennett