Central Valley’s varsity swim program has a new leader

This is Julie Brooks’ second stint as head coach of the Hawks.

“It’s been about five years since I coached Central Valley,” said Brooks, 38. “It’s nice to be back in the swimming world. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.”

Aryanna Jimenez (Jr.), Sofia Amaral (So.), Erin Bautista (So.), Hannah Duncan (Jr.), Monika Castillo (Fr.), Dailyn Melchner (Fr.) and Sejal Malhi (Fr.) will lead Central Valley’s girls team, which finished fourth at the 2018 Western Athletic Conference Championships.

Jimenez made a name for herself during her sophomore year.

She finished first in the 100 free and 50 free at the league finals.

She set personal records in both events.

Jimenez was seeded third in the 100 free and fifth in the 50 free.

She dedicates two hours to swim practice and one hour to weightlifting every day.

“She’s very competitive and dedicated,” Brooks said. “She just wants to win. I love that.”

Amaral placed 11th in the 100 breast.

Bautista placed 27th in the 50 free.

Duncan placed 48th in the 50 free.

Juan Fuerte (So.), Jesus Rosalez (So.), Miguel Lindoro (So.) and Richard Dennison (So.) will lead Central Valley’s boys team, which failed to post a team score at the 2018 WAC Championships because of its lack of numbers.

No longer members of the WAC due to the Sac-Joaquin Section’s league realignment plan, the Hawks will compete in the Central California Conference.

The CCC features eight teams: Central Valley, Livingston, Patterson, Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Golden Valley and El Capitan.

“I just want to see the kids set personal goals and achieve them,” Brooks said.

Central Valley stages its practices at Ceres High.

All of the Hawks’ home duals are held at Livingston High School.

“Within the next five years, Central Valley will have its own pool,” Brooks said. “I’m elated. I’m hoping it will help grow our program.”