(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian's girls swim team made a sizable splash last fall. With much of its record-setting core back in the pool, the Knights may not be finished making waves.

GCHS returns several swimmers with state-meet experience from a girls team that placed fifth in Division III in 2025. Longtime head coach Melody Pinkerton, who has led the program since 2009, brings extensive competitive swimming knowledge to another promising group.

Sophomore Mackenna Bloom headlines the returners following an exceptional freshman campaign. Bloom placed third at the Division III State Championships in both the 200-yard freestyle and 500 freestyle, establishing GCHS records with times of 1:59.97 and 5:20.72, respectively.

Bloom also contributed to two record-setting relays. She joined Aria Fitzpatrick, Brooke Horton and graduated senior Addison Goodwin to establish the 400 freestyle relay mark at 3:53.14. Bloom, Fitzpatrick, Claire Horton and Goodwin set the 200 freestyle relay record at 1:46.16.

With Goodwin now swimming collegiately, GCHS returns three legs from each quartet and will look to identify the right swimmer to complete both lineups.

Fitzpatrick gives the Knights another accomplished sophomore after advancing to two consolation finals in her state debut. She finished 11th in both the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle.

Senior Brooke Horton brings leadership and proven distance ability to the group. Her steady development culminated in a sixth-place finish in the 500 freestyle at last year's state meet.

Claire Horton also gained valuable championship experience during her debut season, competing individually in the 200 freestyle and helping the 200 medley relay place 13th.

Sophomore Peyton Bloom adds another returning state finalist after placing 16th in the 200 individual medley and 12th in the 100 breaststroke, recording a personal best in the latter.

Beyond its returning state competitors, the girls roster includes juniors Brooklyn Farmer and Gracen Peters, sophomores Berean Lemoine and Claira Barker, and a sizable freshman class featuring Londyn Owens, Natalie Bishop, Neveya Allen and Presley Redder. That added depth gives Pinkerton options as the Knights determine individual events and assemble their relays.

On the boys' side, sophomore Teagan Tolson returns after qualifying for state in the 500 freestyle during his first high school season. Tolson improved from 5:36.93 in the preliminary round to 5:32.68 in the final, placing 16th in Division III.

Tolson's older brother, Kyler, graduated following a senior campaign that included a runner-up finish in the 500 freestyle, third place in the 200 individual medley and a GCHS record in the latter. Teagan now steps into a larger role on a seven-member boys roster featuring senior Logan Mascarenhas; sophomores Logan Jensen, Austin Larson, Ryan Master and Wyatt Lehman; and freshman Noah Bawden.

Gilbert Christian opens the season Thursday at the YMCA on Whipple Street before turning its attention toward approved qualifying meets and another run at the Division III State Championships.

With proven returners and an influx of new talent, the tide is rising, and another wave of records may be ready to break.