Returning with a stronger and more experienced roster, Head Coach Brian “Chuckie” Roth has high hopes for City College women’s swimming team.

This will be the second season for City College who founded its swimming team last year under Roth’s leadership.

“I think we can go to state,” Roth said. “That is the ultimate goal and we got a better team this year so I believe that can happen.”

The Vaqueros finished 2014 with a record of 28-8, which landed them at No. 12 in the state. The team also had two swimmers qualify for state competition.

This year City College will aim higher and focus on improvement, and someone who knows what it takes is freshman Elise Hazel.

“You have to give it all,” Hazel said. “A lot of hard work and training.”

With a good pre-season training and promising new recruits to the team like Hazel and freshman Katherine Warren, the future looks bright for City College.

“Katherine is a phenomenal swimmer and very talented,” Roth said. “Elise Hazel is a great distance swimmer.”

Roth knows the road to success is difficult so he tries to look at the big picture for his swimmers. He believes everything outside of the pool is equally important to what happens in the pool.

“It’s a big commitment they take to the program,” Roth said. “I’m looking forward to see them improve as people in life, as athletes, and to see them get good grades.”

City College’s first meet of the year will be on Friday, Feb. 13 at LA Valley. Time is TBA.