Swim and dive has been a sport at South Gwinnett for the past four years. While there isn’t a pool conviently available on South’s campus, this does not stop our Comet athletes from using athletic centers to practice. On Jan. 6, South Gwinnett competed against Discovery High School, Central Gwinnett High School, Berkmar High School, and Shiloh High School. In an email to the school, head swim and dive coach Taylor Emmons said, “We have three swimmers that are only one second away from qualifying for state. This is the first time in 15 years that South has had more than four individual qualifiers.” At the end of this meet, Ashley Dozier (11), an elite swimmer on South’s team, finished in 16th place in the county for the 50 freestyle swim and 18th in the 100 backstroke swim which made her a qualifier for the state tournament.

Ashley Dozier, already a groundbreaking student athlete, is setting her sights out to break schools records at South. Dozier says, “I’m only one second away from breaking the 33-year-old school record in the 50 freestyle.” Dozier’s success this season is largely due to her commitment to the sport, extensive training, and the support of her team mates, coaches, friends, family, and Comet nation. “The huge support system that I have behind me, Dozier says, motivated me to have the confidence to achieve 16th place and qualify for state.” On Saturday, Jan. 23, Ashely Dozier went on to compete at the state tournament where she placed in the top 50 in the 50 freestyle swim. Head swim and dive coach Taylor Emmons says “Although it did not turn out the way we thought due to minor setbacks, Ashley has done an amazing job this year and has made a lasting impact on swim.” Next year, Dozier plans on working even harder and dedicating more time to training in order to break South’s record in her senior year, a perfect way to conclude her high school career. Congratulations Ashley and SGHS swim and dive team for representing SGHS well.