FIVE SWIMMERS TO WATCH

Maddie Gillman

Bellingham, Jr.

A great freestyle swimmer and a hard worker, Gillman has the determination and ability to put herself in the elite category of Whatcom County swimmers. She reached state last year and, with two years left, should make a couple more trips to the King County Aquatic Center.

Shirley Lam

Sehome, Jr.

Lam figures to be a huge part of the success Sehome hopes to enjoy this season. She played a significant role in helping the Mariners claim a 2011 state title, and she gives coach Don Helling an outstanding option in relays and is one of the top 2A backstroke swimmers in the state.

Maddi Dohm

Squalicum, Sr.

Dohm was a member of Squalicum's state champion 200 medley team last season, swimming the freestyle leg. Coach Steve Gibb will use her in sprints this year. She gives the Storm a great swimmer as well as a strong, tested team leader.

Tori Franzen

Squalicum, Sr.

Three years in a row now, Franzen has dove her way to a top-five finish at the Class 2A State Swimming and Diving Championships. She placed second last year, and coach Steve Gibb said she has done a ton of training in the offseason.

Gwen Roley

Sehome, So.

It's scary to think what Roley can do in the future after she earned top seven finishes in the 200 and 500 freestyle at state a year ago. She is a tremendous all-around swimmer and is a name area swimmers will get to know even better the next few years.

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.