CLASS 6A GIRLS SWIMMERS/DIVERS TO WATCH IN 2026
 

 
AUDREY APPUHN, WASHBURN RURAL
 
Appuhn has been Rural’s top swimmer throughout her career, starting with her freshman season when she placed in the top four in both of her events at the Class 6A state championships, taking third in the 200 individual medley and fourth in the 500 freestyle. She medaled in both events at state again as a sophomore (5th in the 200 IM; 6th in the 500 free) before switching things up last year as a junior, taking third in the 100 breaststroke and sixth in the 200 freestyle. Appuhn has captured gold in every event she’s competed in at the Topeka City and Centennial League meets.
 

 
LIBBY BARNEY, OLATHE EAST

After a breakout junior season, Barney enters her final campaign as one of the top returning distance swimmers in Class 6A. Barney earned her first individual state medals a year ago, placing third in the 200-yard freestyle (1:56.03) and third in the 500 freestyle (5:19), establishing herself as a key scorer for the Hawks. She also played a major role in Olathe East’s relay success, helping the 200 medley relay to a state runner-up finish and the 400 free relay to a fifth-place medal. With that experience, Barney returns as a proven leader for a program that finished third as a team at the state meet. 
 

 
AAHANA BASAK, BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

Consistency has been the hallmark of Basak, and it has turned her into one of the Huskies’ top returning distance threats heading into the 2026 season. The Blue Valley Northwest senior is coming off a strong junior campaign in which she earned an individual state medal in the 500-yard freestyle, finishing fifth in 5:27. That performance built on an already steady postseason presence, as she medaled seventh in the same event as a sophomore. She also added a 10th-place finish in the 200 freestyle last season. A key piece of Northwest’s relay success, Basak helped lead off the Huskies’ 400-yard freestyle relay that captured a fourth-place state medal, setting the tone with a strong opening split. 
 

 
FIA BOSHART, SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST

Boshart returns as one of Class 6A’s top swimmers after a strong 2025 campaign. Boshart captured the state championship in the 100-yard butterfly with a school-record time of 56.25, establishing herself as the swimmer to beat in the event. Her versatility was on full display as she also earned a fourth-place state medal in the 200 freestyle and played a key role in multiple relay podium finishes. Boshart helped the Cougars’ 200 freestyle relay to a runner-up finish in 1:41.20 — another school record — and contributed to a sixth-place medal in the 400 free relay. At the Sunflower League meet, Boshart swept both the 200 freestyle (1:53.63) and 100 butterfly (56.27) as she looks to try and better all those marks this season.  
 

 
GEORGIA BOYD,  SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Boyd is back as one of the key pieces for a Lancers team looking to build off last year’s Class 6A state runner-up finish. Boyd put together a strong junior campaign, earning a pair of individual state medals while also contributing to two podium relays. She placed sixth in the 500-yard freestyle and added an eighth-place finish in the 200 freestyle, showcasing her versatility in the distance events. Boyd also played a major role on East’s 200 and 400 freestyle relays, both of which earned third-place medals at the state meet. 
 

 
CAITLYN CHOPRA, BLUE VALLEY WEST

Chopra emerged as one of the Jaguars’ top young contributors a season ago and looks poised for an even bigger sophomore campaign. Chopra made her mark in the 100-yard breaststroke, where she finished runner-up at the Eastern Kansas League meet before delivering her best performance on the biggest stage. At the Class 6A state meet, Chopra dropped a personal-best 1:09.59 to earn a seventh-place medal. She also played a key role in Blue Valley West’s success in the relays, swimming the breaststroke leg on the Jaguars’ 200 medley relay that captured a league title and later earned an eighth-place state medal. 
 

OLIVIA CLIFTON, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

Clifton has steadily climbed the Class 6A diving ranks, and the senior is poised to take another step forward this season. Clifton earned her second consecutive state medal a year ago, finishing fifth with a score of 372 after placing sixth as a sophomore. A key contributor to the Mustangs’ back-to-back state championship teams, and with two state meets under her belt, she enters the season as one of the top returning contenders. The challenge will be stiff in Class 6A, where six of last year’s top eight finishers return. 
 

CLAIRE COOPER, MILL VALLEY
 
Cooper returns for her final season as one of the Jaguars’ most experienced and reliable contributors in the pool. She is coming off a strong junior campaign in which she earned a state medal with an eighth-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke, while also placing 11th in the 200 individual medley. It wasn’t her first trip to the podium, either, as she also medaled in the backstroke as a sophomore. A versatile swimmer, Cooper has also played a key role in Mill Valley’s relay success. She was part of the Jaguars’ 200 medley relay team that finished fourth at state in 2025 and contributed to a seventh-place medal in the 200 freestyle relay. 
 

 
KATHARINE COSTELLO, OLATHE EAST

Costello made an immediate impact as a freshman, and the Hawks’ standout is poised for an even bigger sophomore campaign. Costello emerged as one of the top young breaststrokers in Class 6A last season, earning a state runner-up finish in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:06.14. She finished just behind Mill Valley’s Angela Stidham-Ebberts, who also returns this season, setting up one of the premier individual matchups in the state. In addition to her individual success, Costello played a key role in Olathe East’s third-place team finish at the state meet. She helped the Hawks to a runner-up finish in the 200-yard medley relay and a fifth-place medal in the 400 freestyle relay. She also added a strong showing in the 200 freestyle, placing 11th. 
 

 
MAGGIE DAHL, BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

Dahl enters the 2026 season as one of the state’s premier distance swimmers and a clear leader for the Huskies. The Northwest senior is coming off a standout junior campaign in which she finished as the Class 6A state runner-up in both the 200-yard freestyle and 500 freestyle. She returns this season with the top time in the state in each event, putting her firmly in position to contend for multiple individual titles. A cornerstone of Northwest’s relay success as well, Dahl anchored the Huskies to a sixth-place finish in the 200 freestyle relay and a fourth-place medal in the 400 free relay at last year’s state meet. With a Division I future ahead at Butler University, Dahl enters her senior season with high expectations.  
 

 
IRENE GETTYA, OLATHE EAST

For Gettya, the bar isn’t just high — it’s already been set at the top. The Olathe East junior diver has opened her high school career in dominant fashion, capturing back-to-back Class 6A state championships and establishing herself as one of the state’s premier divers. Gettya showed just how wide the gap is last season, posting a winning score of 519.20 — more than 130 points clear of the field. That performance came on the heels of an equally impressive freshman debut, when she claimed her first state title with a 494.15. With two titles already in hand, she will once again be the overwhelming favorite as she looks to make it three in a row for the Hawks. 
 

 
EMMA HUEBNER, BLUE VALLEY WEST

Huebner has quietly built herself into one of the Jaguars’ most reliable all-around swimmers, and she enters this season poised for another step forward. Huebner made an immediate impact as a freshman as she earned a seventh-place medal in the 200 IM with a best time of 2:15.32 and narrowly missed the podium in the 100 backstroke. As a sophomore, Huebner continued to show her versatility. She returned to the state meet in the 200 IM, placing eighth, and added another state appearance in the 100 butterfly after finishing fifth at EKL. She also played a key role on Blue Valley West’s 200 medley relay, helping earn a state medal with an eighth-place finish while swimming the butterfly leg. 
 

 
AVERY JOHNSON, BLUE VALLEY WEST

Johnson emerged as one of the Jaguars’ top distance threats during a standout freshman campaign and is ready for an even bigger season ahead. Johnson made her mark at the Class 6A state meet, earning all-state honors behind a fourth-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle (5:23.58), while also taking ninth in the 200 freestyle (2:01.47). Her versatility was equally impressive, as she qualified for state in five different events — including the 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly and 100 freestyle — showcasing her ability to contribute across multiple events. 
 

 
NATALIE JONES, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Jones returns as one of the key pieces for a Lancers squad with championship aspirations in Class 6A. Jones played a pivotal role in East’s state runner-up finish a year ago, walking away with four state medals in a strong all-around performance. Individually, Jones proved her sprinting ability on the big stage, earning a sixth-place medal in the 100-yard freestyle and finishing seventh in the 50 freestyle. She was just as valuable in relays, helping power both the 200 and 400 freestyle teams to third-place state finishes. 
 

 
ELIZA KILLOUGH, OLATHE WEST

Killough has been one of the state’s most consistent sprint performers, and she enters her final season looking to cap a decorated career at the Class 6A level. Killough has been a mainstay on the state podium since her freshman year, when she burst onto the scene with a fifth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle and a runner-up showing in the 100 free. She followed that with an impressive sophomore campaign, finishing second in the 50 free while also adding a fifth-place medal in the 100 butterfly to showcase her versatility. Last season, Killough continued her run among the state’s elite sprinters, taking third in the 50 freestyle against one of the deepest fields in 6A. 
 

 
JORDAN KLEEMAN, WICHITA EAST
 
Kleeman, a senior, won the Greater Wichita Athletic League title in the 100 backstroke last season before finishing a career-best third at state with a personal-best time of 57.89. It was part of a three-medal state performance for Kleeman, who was fifth in the 100 backstroke (59.47) and helped the Blue Aces’ 200 freestyle relay team take eighth. Kleeman won her first state medal in the backstroke as a freshman, and took fourth in the back and seventh in the 100 butterfly as a sophomore. She holds East’s career No. 2 times in the fly and back (58.93), and will try to help East repeat as GWAL team champion this season.
 
 

 
HELENA MATTES, FREE STATE

Mattes is coming off a strong sophomore campaign in which she reached the podium in two individual events at the state meet, placing fifth in the 200-yard individual medley and fourth in the 100 breaststroke. She also played a key role in Free State’s relay success, helping the Firebirds to a fifth-place finish in the 200 medley relay and a seventh-place medal in the 400 freestyle relay. Her breakout season built on an already impressive freshman year in 2024, when she earned two individual state medals.
 

 
ANGELA MCCOY, OLATHE NORTHWEST

McCoy enters her final high school season as one of the top swimmers in Class 6A after a breakout junior campaign. The Northwest senior established herself a year ago, finishing as the state runner-up in the 100-yard butterfly, just behind Shawnee Mission Northwest’s Fia Boshart in a loaded field that will see both contenders return this season. She also proved her versatility by earning a third-place state medal in the 200-yard individual medley, an event she now enters with the top returning time in Kansas. In addition to her individual success, McCoy played a key role in Olathe Northwest’s 400 freestyle relay that brought home an eighth-place state medal. With experience, momentum and collegiate plans already secured — she will swim for Utah Tech next season — McCoy is poised to make a strong push for a state title in her senior year while leading the Ravens’ lineup. 
 

 
LIDDY MCCOY, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

McCoy made an immediate impact as a freshman, and the versatile sophomore is poised for an even bigger role this season for the defending Class 6A champions. McCoy showed her range at last year’s state meet, earning a fourth-place medal in the 100-yard butterfly and finishing sixth in the 200 individual medley. She also proved to be a key piece of the Mustangs’ depth, swimming on both the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams that captured state titles. Now with a year of experience at the varsity level, McCoy gives Blue Valley North a strong option across multiple events. 
 

 
AVERY METCALF, OLATHE NORTH

Metcalf begins her final season as one of the state’s premier divers and a strong contender to finish toward the top of the podium. Metcalf has steadily climbed the ranks during her career, highlighted by a runner-up finish at last year’s Class 6A state meet where she posted a personal-best score of 388.20. A two-time school record holder in both six-dive and 11-dive competitions — marks she has broken multiple times — Metcalf has established herself as one of the top divers in the area. She also earned second team All-State honors following her breakout junior campaign. After earning her first state medal as a sophomore with an eighth-place finish, Metcalf has continued to build momentum each season.
 

 
RIDLEE PARKHURST, DERBY
 
Parkhurst, a junior, had options last season after qualifying for state in every individual event and relay. She came away with her first three 6A medals, finishing sixth in the 100 breaststroke (1:10.41) and seventh in the 200 freestyle (1:58.95) while helping the Panthers’ 200 medley relay finish seventh. She also boosted Derby to the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I team title, winning gold in the 200 free (1:57.51), 100 free (54.34) and 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays.
 

 LEIGHTON SAUNDERS, OLATHE SOUTH

After breaking through at the state level a season ago, Saunders is ready to take the next step among Kansas’ elite divers. Saunders turned in a memorable sophomore campaign, earning her first Class 6A state medal with a seventh-place finish and a score of 368.45. It was a performance that put her firmly on the radar in one of the state’s deepest fields. Saunders also proved herself against some of the best competition Kansas has to offer, finishing runner-up at the Sunflower League meet — a field that featured six of the top eight divers in the state. 
 

 HARPER SEGURA, SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH
 
After finding the podium for her first state medal a season ago, Segura has her sights set on climbing even higher this spring. Segura turned in a strong sophomore campaign, highlighted by an eighth-place finish at the Class 6A state meet with a score of 354.60. She showed consistency throughout the postseason, placing fourth at the Sunflower League meet before carrying that momentum into state competition. Six of the top eight divers at state last season were from the Sunflower League. 
 

 
MOLLY STEVENS, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

Stevens made an immediate impact as a freshman for Blue Valley North, and now she looks poised for an even bigger role in the Mustangs’ pursuit of a third straight Class 6A state title. Stevens emerged as one of North’s top young talents a year ago, earning a fifth-place state medal in the 100-yard butterfly — finishing just behind teammate Liddy McCoy — while also placing 10th in the 500 freestyle. Her versatility was equally valuable in relays, as she played a key role on the Mustangs’ state championship-winning 200 medley relay.
 

ABBY STIDHAM-EBBERTS, MILL VALLEY

Stidham-Ebberts returns as one of the state’s premier swimmers after putting together a dominant sophomore campaign for the Jaguars. Stidham-Ebberts captured the Class 6A state title in the 100-yard breaststroke while also proving her versatility with a runner-up finish in the 50 freestyle. Already rewriting record books, she holds both the Sunflower League and school record in the 100 breaststroke, along with the Mill Valley mark in the 50 freestyle. Her impact extends beyond individual events as well, having helped the Jaguars to a fourth-place finish in the 200 medley relay and a seventh-place medal in the 200 freestyle relay at state. With eight career state medals already to her name — including four as a freshman — Stidham-Ebberts enters her junior season as a key piece in Mill Valley’s pursuit of another strong postseason showing. 
 

 
VADA WALSH, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Walsh earned three state medals as part of East’s runner-up team finish, highlighted by a seventh-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke. She also contributed to a pair of third-place relay finishes in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle, showcasing her versatility in both individual and team events. Walsh narrowly missed another medal in the 50 freestyle, placing 12th, and enters this season poised to turn that near-miss into another trip to the podium while continuing to help one of the state’s top lineups. 
 

 
EVY WYRICK, OLATHE NORTHWEST

Wyrick made an impact in her first season with the Ravens, turning in a strong freshman campaign that included a pair of trips to the state podium. She earned her first individual medal in the grueling 500-yard freestyle, finishing seventh, and also showed her versatility with a 13th-place finish in the 200 individual medley. Beyond her individual success, Wyrick proved to be a key contributor in relays as well, helping Olathe Northwest’s 400 freestyle relay team to an eighth-place state medal.