The 2025-26 Macomb High boys swim team is one in transition.
That starts at the top where 2023 MHS graduate Annaliese Goc steps into the head coaching role.
Since graduating from MHS, Goc has served as an assistant coach for both the boys and girls swim programs.
“I’ve loved my time being the assistant coach for the girls and the boys these past couple of years,” said Goc. “But it really felt like something that was just meant to happen for me to step up into this head coaching role.”
“I’m really excited to continue to leave my mark on this Macomb swim program,” she added.
The roster for the boys programs is young with just one senior and three juniors. The remainder of the squad includes three sophomores and nine freshmen.
“It’s a big rebuilding year for us,” said Goc. “And we were so happy that we were able to get the 16 boys that we have on the team this year.”
As is the case most seasons, the level of swimming experience possessed by the team members varies greatly.
“The Bomber swim program has definitely always prided itself on being open to anyone,” said Goc. “If you don’t know how to swim, we’ll teach you. If you come in with nine-plus years of (YMCA) Dolphin experience, great. But either way, we love to have them on this team.”
Key returners for the squad include juniors Jaydn Glaue and Gavin Douglas and sophomores Reed Lytle and Luke Wu.
The remaining 12 swimmers are new to the program.
Those swimmers include lone senior Hudson Welker, junior Marc Simmons and sophomore Jairon Royer.
The roster is rounded out by freshmen Alaric Gordon, Peter Gottwald, Owen Haley, Jacob McGath, Auston Ortiz, Ray Phillips, Landon Richards, Bentley Rutledge and Ethan Sherwood.
“Swim is one of those sports if you’re willing to put in the work, especially if you’re starting from barely knowing how to swim, you will see immediate improvement,” said Goc. “I think that is really helpful when we have a much younger team because it encourages them.”
While Goc admits that wins would be nice, her focus is on continued, consistent improvement for the swimmers throughout the season.
“Our big philosophy, especially with a younger team is that overall, as much as we would love to walk away with a first place in a meet, that is not our main priority,” said Goc. “Our main priority is getting these boys to the point where they are seeing their own times drop on an individual level.”
“We might come in second to last in every heat,” she added. “But if we have boys dropping times, that is what we’d rather see.”
In addition to the work, Goc noted that especially early in the season, there will be plenty of experimentation in finding what event or events the athletes can excel in.
Aiding in that cause is MHS boys head coach Tonya Hamer, who is assisting Goc.
“She’s been so helpful,” said Goc of Hamer. “We work really well together, which is always nice to know, especially with me being a younger coach.”
