First-year head coach Ryan Meske is aiming to transform the Lincoln-Way Central girls swimming and diving program by focusing on effort and enjoyment.
“I’m approaching it with the mindset that if you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll naturally do better,” Meske said. “Practice should be something they look forward to, not a chore.”
According to Meske, a graduate of Lincoln-Way East, his approach emphasizes daily progress rather than seeking quick results. “We can’t go from zero to 100 overnight,” he said. “The goal is to get 1 percent better every day.”
The Knights’ team includes experienced seniors such as Flynn Meyer, Hannah Quigley, and Genevieve Dal Ponte, who are all four-year varsity athletes and state qualifiers. Meske praised their consistency and leadership: “They’ve worked hard for three years and are continuing that in their senior season,” he said.
Meske believes his youth and perspective contribute positively to the program. “I think it’s a different mindset,” he said. “If we can combine fun with working hard, good things are going to happen.”
