NEW LENOX, Ill. — First-year head coach Ryan Meske is looking to reshape the Lincoln-Way Central girls swimming and diving program with an emphasis 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.”
Meske, a Lincoln-Way East graduate, said his approach centers on daily progress rather than 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 feature seasoned seniors like Flynn Meyer, Hannah Quigley, and Genevieve Dal Ponte, 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 make a difference. “I think it’s a different mindset,” he said. “If we can combine fun with working hard, good things are going to happen.”