The 2025 Chaska girls swim team opened their season with a strong performance against the Benilde–St. Margaret’s Red Knights at the Pioneer Ridge Middle School pool. With 24 athletes on the roster, the team is led by third-year head coach McKenna Togstad, assistant coach Lydia Smith and diving coach Tamara Hodgins.
Chaska started the twelve-event meet with solid finishes in the 200-yard races and the fast-paced 50-yard sprint. Midway through the meet, attention turned to diving. Junior Clair Hendrickson and sophomore Jillian Tyron placed second and third with scores of 144.35 and 126.10, respectively.
One of the most exciting races of the night was the 500 freestyle, where swimmers complete 16 lengths of the pool. Much like a distance running event, athletes train for endurance while being guided by a teammate holding lap counters underwater. Sophomore Morgan Kramer claimed victory in the event by a couple of yards over her BSM challenger, finishing with a time of 5:57.61.
Co-captain Sophie Dahl, a senior, followed with a win in the 100-yard backstroke at 1:03.23. Fellow co-captain, senior Maika Tardia, nearly captured the 100-yard breaststroke, finishing less than three-tenths of a second behind the winner.
The Hawks sealed the meet with a strong victory in the 400-yard relay, clocking in at 3:57.46 and securing the team win, 109–74 over BSM.
“This was a great first meet. Our times were solid for the start of the year and we did well against a competitive team,” Togstad said.
“Our relay teams impressed in all aspects of their races,” Smith said. “This is a young, fun, talented team. I encourage folks to come out and watch us this season—we’re going to be a team to be reckoned with.”
The team’s energy and enthusiasm were on full display at the BSM meet and fans at Pioneer Ridge enjoyed the action up close in a comfortable, weatherproof setting.
The Hawks will compete next at the Edina Invite on Sept. 6. Their next home meet is Sept. 11 against Bloomington Jefferson.
Fans can also support the team on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Chanhassen Cub, where swimmers will be bagging groceries as a fundraiser. Follow the team on Instagram for updates throughout the season.
