Freedom’s diving team is returning last year’s District XI Class 3A girls champion Hayden Taylor and District XI Class 3A boys runner-up Cody Smith to the Patriots’ lineup this winter along with senior John Lowey.

Joining the Patriot trio will be sophomore newcomers Jessica Mooney, Addie Schmid, and Emma Pitsilos.

“We are definitely looking to secure that number one spot for both the boys and girls teams this season. We are also looking to break some records as well, as we weren’t too far off last season both with Hayden and Cody,” said Freedom diving coach Mark Parry. “With our newcomers, we are looking to improve on our basic dives as well as to expand their horizons on some more difficult dives. I would love to have a lot of representation for both teams in our 11-dive meets and to keep expanding the Freedom diving team program.”

The Pates will have taken on the divers from Northampton in their season opener on Dec. 3, past Press deadlines.

“Overall, the team has a wonderful outlook, and it’s quite clear we have built a little family within the program,” Coach Parry said. “I am hoping that can continue throughout my third season here and everyone continues to uplift and support everyone regardless of their skill level and knowledge of the sport.”

Regarding Taylor and Smith, Parry plans to see his top divers reach new heights this season.

“[Hayden’s] strength is absolutely the ability to adapt to whatever situation she is put in. She never fails to impress me with how cool, calm and collected she can be when faced with a challenge. Her basics are essentially perfected this season as well as the ability to put some pretty difficult dives into the water and make them look pretty. We are hopefully going to see some 8.5s and 9s coming her way this season,” said Parry.

“Cody’s number one attribute is the strive for perfection and the no-quit attitude that he has. Cody has a lot of high-level dives that will set him apart from the other competition. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with his performance this preseason, and I am very excited to push hard for his first district championship.”