EVANSTON – The official season for girls’ swimming at Evanston High School came to a close Friday night as the Lady Red Devils held their end-of-the-year banquet at Gateway Grille. 

But head coach Kate Schmidt, who will also be an assistant on the boys’ swim team this year, hopes to see her girls back in the pool. Soon.

“I will see you all at 5 a.m. the Monday after Thanksgiving for morning practice,” Schmidt said with a smile as she concluded her speech.

Evanston finished 12th at this year’s state meet and the Lady Red Devils will graduate five seniors in Jade Caves, Charli Fadden, Ozzy Ross, Beca White and Aedin Banry. 

Caves was a state qualifier in the 50-yard freestyle and swam on the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relay teams. White, Ross, and Fadden all swam at state in the medley relay. 

All the seniors were four-year swimmers. 

“I know that no matter what the future holds for this team, each and everyone of you are going to set the world on fire and make me proud.” Schmidt said. “To my wonderful seniors, I can’t believe that this chapter is over.”

Freshman Brook Phillips earned a varsity letter and was also recognized for not missing a practice – even when she had a fever above 100 degrees. She was also named the team’s most improved swimmer, as voted on by the coaching staff. 

Lexi Demander also did not miss a practice this season. 

Banry received a varsity letter for finishing in the top 12 at the Class 4A West conference meet in October. 

Freshman Rachel Buzarde also lettered. She qualified for state in the 50-, 100-, and 500-yard freestyle, along with the 100-yard backstroke. Buzarde also swam on the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relay teams at state and earned the highest number of points. 

Fellow freshman Heather Buzarde received a letter after being part of the Lady Red Devils’ 200-yard IM relay at state. She was named the team’s hardest worker.

Annellie Beachell was recognized for scoring the most points for the sophomore class this season. 

Also recognized was Marie Davis, a state qualifier in the 100-, 200- and 500-yard freestyle who also swam on the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams at state. Davis was the team leader in points for juniors. 

McKinzey Camphouse qualified for state in 200-yard individual medley, 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly. The junior also swam on the 200- and 400-yard state relay teams and earned a ninth-place finish at state in the butterfly.

Schmidt ended the ceremony with some heartfelt words.

“You guys, I love you,” she said. “You all take up a huge part of my heart.  You girls are my family.  I am definitely better for having known each and every one of you.”