After a triumphant 23 years of coaching the boys swim and dive team and 16 years of coaching the girls, head coach Annette McDonald will be passing the torch on to assistant coach Janna Skinner next season.

 During her time at the helm, McDonald has won one state championship with the boys team in 2004, and three with the girls in 2009, 2015 and 2022. She has also received two coach of the year awards in 2013 and 2015. 

McDonald has had a lasting impact on the athlete’s that she’s coached during her time, and has helped many swimmers reach the collegiate level.

“Coach McDonald was one of the first people I told about my opportunity to swim at the University of Kansas,” KU commit senior Halle McCullough said. “She was very excited for me. I know she will keep supporting me throughout the rest of my swimming career.”

Following McDonald’s decision to step down, it was announced that assistant coach Janna Skinner will be taking over the role of head coach. Skinner has over 10 years experience coaching and has been an assistant coach since 2018. She was also a part of the 2022 girls team that won state. 

“[Skinner] comes from a good background,” McDonald said. “She will bring great things to the team and add to our traditions.”

Skinner hopes to continue to build from where McDonald left off, in hopes of continuing the rich legacy of the swim and dive program.

“I would like to make sure that I’m building an inclusive environment where everybody feels like they’re welcome,  and they’re part of the team they are  adding to the team atmosphere,” Skinner said. “We want to make sure that there are some swimmers who don’t necessarily have any experience, but they’re very welcome on the team and they add to the team.”