There’s a new high school swimming program in Chronicle Country.

After years of teamming up with fellow Lexington School District 1 school White Knoll, Gilbert now has a boys and girls team of its own.

The teams have already emerged victorious at 1 meet and, for head coach Whittaker-Anne Johnston, the endeavor is a dream come true.

“(Athletics Director Chad) Leaphart reached out to me last spring to ask if I would be interested in starting this program,” she said. “I was extremely excited because it had been my dream to start a swim program and for kids to love the sport.

With 35 swimmers, the University of South Carolina graduate Johnston and assistant coaches Kandace Sullivan and Daryl Johnston hold practices at Golden Hills Country Club. Through the challenges of dealing with covid-19-related issues and a fledgling program, she credits the efforts of her coaches and Leaphart with creating a “culture of determination and positivity” for the swimmers.

In turn, the participants are showing improvement each week as it seeks to build a successful program. The boys team is undefeated in region meets and are led by junior Matthew Ambos. The girls are 1-1 entering this weekend’s competition in The Chapin Invite.

“We have an amazing support system from our athletic department, booster club and community,” Johnston said. “Everyone has expressed their excitement for a brand new sport at Gilbert.”