Women’s Swimming and Diving program under Coach Gianna Rossi has high hopes in its inaugural season this semester.

“This year will set the pace for our program,” Rossi stated. “It’s all a new experience and we’re going to be learning a lot this year.”

Although this is the first season for the Swimming and Diving Program, this is Rossi’s third year as a coach at Fresno City College. She coaches the women’s water polo team as well. Rossi had coached at Central High School for six years prior to her tenure at FCC.

Rossi is experienced and poised for success from the start.

Marissa Vargas, a veteran of the pool, is in her last semester but is hoping to set records this season.

“My best race is the 100-meter Freestyle,” Vargas said. “I really want to break a minute.”

At the other end of the spectrum is Margaret Walsh, a first-semester student athlete. Walsh says she’s looking forward to getting to know her new team and teammates.

“My main goal is to improve my times from when I was in high school,” Walsh said.

Although the team’s first meet is at the Clovis North High School on Feb. 6, Rossi says the team is still accepting more athletes.

“The hardest part of starting a new program is getting the word out,” Rossi said. “It’s a brand new program, and the more student athletes we can get, the better.”

She encourages students with swimming experience to try out for the team by contacting her through the information on the college website.