JOHN CARCICH, Villa Park

Villa Park seemed to have several ingredients for a special girls swimming team this season. The Spartans returned standouts Allison Mann and Lucy Flynn. They added swift freshman Chloe Teger. And they were slotted for CIF-SS Division 2 after racing in Division 1 in 2023. On the pool deck, there was one more important factor at work. Successful veteran John Carcich entered the second year of his second tenure as the girls coach. Villa Park had all it needed. The Spartans combined their strengths to capture Division 2 for the first section swimming championship in school history. Villa Park’s historic campaign included setting school records in 10 of the 11 events. The Spartans also finished 8-0 in dual meets, including their first victory against rival Foothill in 12 years, and captured the North Hills League title.