It stands to reason that schools surrounded by water naturally have high-caliber swim teams. Coral Shores and Key West both made that clear this year, with both programs producing fantastic results. This season, Monroe County had two district champs: Coral Shores seniors Layne Smith and Aaron Lykins. Both athletes’ performances at regionals gave them the go-ahead nod to states in Ocala. Key West’s young squads showed dramatic improvement throughout the season, and the school’s long-standing record books required an update when Santiago Gonzalez set a new mark in the 200 freestyle event.
Swimmer of the Year
Layne Smith
Senior, Coral Shores
Senior Layne Smith had an outstanding season with Coral Shores. The distance specialist struck gold at districts, winning the 500 freestyle event and qualifying for regionals in that plus three other events. Smith’s performance on the relay teams helped her team send extra representatives to the meet, and her individual performance at regionals qualified her for the 200 and 500 freestyle events at states. There, Smith cracked the top 20, swimming to a 19th-place finish in the 500 freestyle race.
Larkin Dunn
Senior, Coral Shores
In her final season with the Hurricanes, Larkin Dunn finished strong, qualifying for regionals in a pair of individual events. Dunn made the cut in the 50 and 100 freestyle events, then swam legs of the team’s 200 free and 200 medley relays to cap off her senior season.
Sofia Figueredo
Junior, Coral Shores
With one more year of eligibility, all eyes will be on Sofia Figueredo next season. The talented junior’s strong district performances earned lanes in the 200 IM, the 100 breaststroke and the 200 free and medley relay teams. Figueredo is an incredibly versatile swimmer who excels in almost every event.
Parks Dunn
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Though only a sophomore, Parks Dunn qualified for three regional events this season, including the daunting 500 free plus the 200 medley and free relay teams. Dunn’s hard work and dedication, coupled with already-exceptional times, make her one to watch in the coming seasons.
Stella Hodder
Junior, Coral Shores
Junior Stella Hodder’s strong work ethic is not the only thing that makes her stand out. Hodder is a breaststroke specialist whose times are dropping, and that is just one of the strokes she excels with. The junior qualified for regionals on the Hurricanes’ 400 free relay team and will be back in 2026 for another season of excellence.
Sophia Jackson
Senior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores’ Sophia Jackson had an outstanding senior campaign, culminating with a spot on the team’s 400 free relay. The freestyle specialist added maturity and leadership to the team in her final season with the ’Canes.
Christina Rice
Freshman, Key West
Freshman Christina Rice was the fastest Conch in the pool in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events, earning a place at regionals in both as well as two relays. Rice broke the 1-minute barrier in the 100 free, making for a bright future for the rising star.
Amelia Korzen
Freshman, Key West
Key West’s Amelia Korzen made waves her freshman year in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke events. Korzen had the fastest team times in both events, earning lanes at regionals in the 100-yard breaststroke individual event plus three relays.
Taylor Thomason
Freshman, Key West
Another of Key West’s highly-talented freshman class, Taylor Thomason proved her skills in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle races. The distance specialist made the cut to regionals in the 200 IM and a relay event to cap off a fantastic first season.
Tessa Hughes
Senior, Key West
Key West’s Tessa Hughes led the Conchs in the freestyle distance events, clocking the top times in the 200 and 500 freestyle events for her team. Hughes’ leadership and team-centric attitude helped guide a young squad in the direction of success.
Boys
Athlete of the Year
Aaron Lykins
Senior, Coral Shores
A two-time state qualifier, Lykins finished 11th overall at the FHSAA State Championships and continues to show remarkable growth in a short time despite taking up competitive diving less than two years ago. A dedicated and disciplined athlete, Lykins is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to put in extra time refining his dives. His progress from his first season to this year reflects both his natural ability and his commitment to mastering the sport, making him an incredible role model to others. His continued success at the state level has helped elevate the program and set a standard for younger divers to follow.
Mark Porter
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Though only a sophomore, Coral Shores’ Mark Porter already has an appearance at regionals under his swim cap. Porter, an individual medley specialist, swam legs on the team’s 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams this season and will certainly be one to watch in 2026 as he picks up speed and confidence.
Jace Jackson
Senior, Coral Shores
Senior freestyle specialist Jace Jackson finished his season strong. Jackson earned a spot at regionals on the team’s 200 and 400 freestyle relays. His leadership and steady presence helped steer the team toward success.
Mason Osipov
Senior, Coral Shores
A regional qualifier on the Hurricanes’ 200 and 400 free relay teams, Mason Osipov proved to be an enthusiastic, team-oriented competitor. The senior has been a staple over several seasons, and his positive influence and competitive spirit will be difficult to match next season.
Aidan Zeher
Freshman, Coral Shores
Though just a freshman, Aidan Zeher competes with the maturity of a much older athlete, and his hard work paid off. Zeher earned the respect of his teammates plus spots on the regional-qualifying 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams. With three seasons to go, Zeher has what it takes to go far in the coming years.
Santiago Gonzalez
Junior, Key West
Santiago Gonzalez was dominant in the 200 freestyle this season, finishing undefeated in dual meets and breaking the school record in the event. The top Conch in both the 200 and 100 freestyle races, he also qualified for regionals in both events. In addition, Gonzalez contributed to two relay teams at regionals, proving he’s both versatile and dependable.
Hugo Blinckmann
Junior, Key West
Key West junior Hugo Blinckmann emerged as a key contributor for the Conchs this season, leading the team in the 50-yard freestyle while also competing in the 100 breaststroke. A regional qualifier in both individual events, Blinckmann consistently provided points for the team. Blinckmann also played a role on multiple relay teams at regionals, highlighting his speed and adaptability.
Andres Aguero
Junior, Key West
Junior Andres Aguero paced the Conchs in both the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly, showcasing strength across multiple strokes. He earned a spot at regionals in the 200 IM and was part of a relay that advanced to the meet. Aquero’s range and race toughness made him a valuable asset to the lineup throughout the season.
Kieran Smith
Senior, Key West
Jacob Perez
Senior, Key West
Senior Jacob Perez led the Conchs in the 500 freestyle this season and was a strong contributor in both the 200 IM and relay events. He competed at regionals on two relay teams, helping anchor Key West’s efforts at the next level. As a senior, Perez’s experience, work ethic and steady presence made him a key leader both in and out of the pool.
