These Topeka-area high school girls swimmers are looking to make an impact this season

Liam Keating, Topeka Capital-Journal

The spring calendar brings girls swimming into the fold and many Topeka-area teams have some standout athletes.

The capital city has great sprinters, distance swimmers and even divers who compete at a high level.

Here are some of the top girls swimming athletes to watch during the 2024 season.

Hayden's Kaylee Gregg performs a back one somersault one-and-a-half twist maneuver during Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational meet at Capitol Federal Natatorium.
Hayden's Kaylee Gregg performs a back one somersault one-and-a-half twist maneuver during Wednesday's Topeka West Invitational meet at Capitol Federal Natatorium.

Kaylee Gregg, Hayden

The junior finished in 10th place in the one-meter competition in last year’s Class 5A-1A State Championship. Gregg also finished in third in the Centennial League Championship.

Seaman's Avery Walz completes reacts to her time in the 500 yard freestyle during Wednesday's Topeka High School Invitational at Capital Federal Natatorium.
Seaman's Avery Walz completes reacts to her time in the 500 yard freestyle during Wednesday's Topeka High School Invitational at Capital Federal Natatorium.

Avery Walz, Seaman

The Rockhurst commit secured second in the 200-meter IM in last year’s Class 5A-1A State Championship. Walz also qualified in the 100-meter freestyle and was an important piece to Seaman’s relays. The senior was named the United Kansas Conference’s Swimmer of the Year for her performances a year ago.

Seaman's Tauren Walz competes in the 100 yard breathstroke during Wednesday's Topeka High School Invitational at Capital Federal Natatorium.
Seaman's Tauren Walz competes in the 100 yard breathstroke during Wednesday's Topeka High School Invitational at Capital Federal Natatorium.

Tauren Walz, Seaman

Walz will join her twin sister at Rockhurst next year, but the senior will hope to enjoy even more success in the pool this year. Walz finished fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke at the Class 5A-1A State Championship for her best individual performance. She was also a part of the relays in the state meet, too.

Joslynn Grace, Seaman

The junior will look to improve upon last year’s season where she took fifth in the Class 5A-1A State Championship 200-meter IM. Grace won the same event in the United Kansas Conference Championship meet.

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Ashtynn Landry, Shawnee Heights

The junior returns for the Thunderbirds after she qualified for the Class 5A-1A State Championship last year in two events. She finished in 12th place in the 200-yard freestyle and 14th place in the 100-yard freestyle.

Hara Del Castillo, Topeka High

The sophomore will look to break out after a great freshman campaign. Del Castillo quailed for the Class 6A State Championship and finished in 17th place in the 100-yard backstroke and 19th place in the 200-yard IM.

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Caroline Toland, Topeka High

The junior qualified for last year’s Class 6A State Championship in the 100-yard breaststroke. She came away in 24th place in the event and she will look to continue her strong swimming this year as an upperclassman.

Mackenzie Caryl, Topeka High

The sophomore diver will represent the Trojans this season. Caryl took seventh place in the City Championships last year as a freshman.

Audrey Appuhn, Washburn Rural

The sophomore was excellent last year as a freshman. Appuhn secured third in the 200-yard IM of the Class 6A State Championship. She also took fourth place in the 500-yard freestyle state championship race.

Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. You can contact him via email at Lkeating@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka-area girls high school swimmers to watch in 2024 KSHSAA season

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