It’s no surprise that a pair of schools surrounded by water would have excellent swimming programs, and Key West and Coral Shores High Schools do not disappoint. Both programs have consistently produced state-qualifying athletes, and this season, the standout swimmers stood out even more. Both schools brought home hardware from districts and regionals, and Key West’s AJ Smith did not just medal, but won the state championship 50 freestyle race outright. Though Smith graduates, many of this year’s top swimmers will return for more success next season.
Photos by Grace Andrew, Mark Hedden and Doug Finger
MALE MVP
Alexander “AJ” Smith
Senior, Key West
Senior AJ Smith had a phenomenal season in 2022 and only improved this year. The sprint specialist now owns two school records in the 100 free and 50 free. He broke – and re-broke – the 50 free record three times, including his historic state championship race. Smith is a two-time state qualifier and multiyear medal winner in regionals. He has won numerous district medals and championships, and every relay team he anchored became an instant contender. Smith is the first Conch to win a gold medal at the FHSAA State Championships, and though his leadership and results will be missed, his legacy will live on via a banner hanging in the Bobby Menendez gymnasium.
Patrick O’Donnell
Senior, Coral Shores
O’Donnell is a 200 IM and 500 freestyle specialist who qualified for regionals in both events as well as the 400 freestyle relay. O’Donnell has been a top male swimmer for the ’Canes for multiple seasons and will be missed next year.
Anthony Korzen
Senior, Key West
Team captain Anthony Korzen’s stroke of choice is the breaststroke, which he covered for the Conchs as an individual and on their regional-qualifying relay teams. Korzen is also a solid freestyle swimmer.
Eli Morris
Junior, Key West
Junior Eli Morris helped carry the Conchs in their relay teams, performing his specialty, the backstroke. Morris was integral in advancing Key West past districts and into regionals.
Jeffrey Hoyt
Senior, Key West
Jeffrey Hoyt leaves the Conchs this year, but not without having left an impression on his team. The senior captain had success in both the 200 IM and 500 free this season and swam legs of relays when needed.
FEMALE MVP
Abbie Sargent
Junior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores’ Abbie Sargent has helped advance the ’Canes’ relay teams for several seasons. This year, the junior swimmer had individual success as well, earning a gold medal at the FHSAA District 12 Championships in the 200 IM and a silver in the 100 breaststroke. Sargent went on to place fifth and sixth in her events at regionals, earning an individual lane in the 100 breaststroke event at the state championships. Sargent was a member of Coral Shores’ state-qualifying 200 medley relay team as well. With one more season of prep swimming to go, Sargent has all that it takes to bring home state hardware in 2024.
Layne Smith
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Coral Shores’ Layne Smith qualified for regionals as an individual in the 200 and 500 freestyle events. The distance specialist was also a member of the state-qualifying 200 medley relay team.
Riley Cooper
Senior, Coral Shores
Senior Riley Cooper has been part of Coral Shores’ success story for the past several seasons. This year, she qualified for regionals in the 100 fly and was second alternate in the 50 free. A state championship appearance capped off Cooper’s senior season, where she swam a leg of the 200 medley relay.
Allegra Fucaraccio
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Sophomore Allegra Fucaraccio made impressive showings in the 200 IM all season, which was capped off with an appearance at the state championships as a member of the ‘Canes’ 200 medley relay team.
Aly Camargo
Freshman, Key West
Aly Camargo made a huge splash for the Conchs this season, qualifying for regionals in four events as just a freshman. Camargo earned lanes at regionals in the 50 free and 100 free as well as two relays.
Katelyn Noss
Senior, Key West
Key West senior Katelyn Noss performed well in a variety of strokes, with backstroke and freestyle being her strongest. The team captain competed in both on the Conchs’ regional-qualifying relay teams.
Gracie Lechnar
Senior, Key West
Gracie Lechnar, a butterfly specialist, helped carry the Lady Conchs’ relay teams this season. The senior captain was the top athlete in the butterfly events the entire season.
Sofia Figueredo
Freshman, Coral Shores
Just a freshman, Sofia Figueredo had solid performances at districts, placing her as second alternate in the 200 IM and first alternate in the 100 breaststroke for regionals. After a scratch, she earned a lane in the 100 breaststroke.
