Girls swim and dive season came to a close over the weekend, with River Falls senior Avery Singel placing 18th in the diving competition. Singel had a great year, winning every diving competition she was a part of including Sectionals ahead of State. It marked the second year in a row that she competed at State.

“It was just cool to be there, to take it all in and to get on the boards,” Head Coach Michael Brudzinski said. “She made it through the first run of cuts, and showed that she’s definitely made that next step… We’re really happy with the results.”

The entire team was a part of the sendoff at the school on Friday, and Singel was joined by team captain Elise Gulick on the trip.

“That’s definitely one of the things that has been a powerful motivator for this team,” Brudzinski said. “We’re starting to build this mentality and this mindset that even though it’s super tough and it’s a very competitive field of swimming in Wisconsin, we have the caliber, and the type of athletes and the programming that is going to help us work toward being there.”

Singel has been a key contributor to the team as a leader and a friend. Brudzinski said she will be difficult to replace.

“Avery’s been a great diver and a great kid for our program,” Brudzinski said. “She’s good at rebounding from tough situations. She doesn’t ever let the moment get too big for her.”

It was Brudzinski’s first year coaching this program and 11th season coaching high school overall. He said this team was as fun of a team he has ever coached, bringing the right attitude day in and day out.

“This was probably the most fun I’ve ever had coaching a high school team,” Brudzinski said. “I’m just excited to build off of this year.”