The Normal West girls swim and dive team captured its third consecutive Intercity Championship title, continuing a legacy of excellence built on teamwork, depth, and community spirit.
Behind their success lies a mix of teamwork, community support, and the guidance of longtime coach Dawn Fudge, whose passion for the sport has shaped generations of swimmers.
“This group of girls is just amazing,” Fudge said. “They cheer each other on no matter what. Whether someone wins their event or just drops a few seconds, everyone celebrates together.”
Coach Fudge has been a staple in the local swimming community for decades.
When she’s not coaching the Wildcats, she teaches special education at Parkside Junior High.
“I’m the SS23 teacher at Parkside,” she explained. “I work in special education, and honestly, that patience and encouragement really carry over into coaching.”
Fudge has been a certified USA Swim coach for over 22 years and has coached at Normal West for more than 15 years.
Fudge’s connection to the pool runs deep: “I come from a huge swim family,” Fudge continued, “My dad was a coach and swam, my brother swam and coached, and both my kids swam in college.”
Her son swam at the University of Denver and narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic Trials just before COVID-19, while her daughter still holds records at Illinois Wesleyan.
“We’ve always been in the water. Swimming, teaching lessons, lifeguarding, it’s just part of who we are,” Fudge explained.
Since Fudge first began at Normal West, the girls’ swim program has evolved tremendously: “Swimming has changed a lot over the years, especially since COVID (…). We’ve got girls who are brand new to the sport and girls hoping to swim in college. It’s such a wide range, but that’s what makes the team special. Everyone finds their place,” Fudge stated.
She also emphasizes the inclusive nature of swimming: “It’s one of those sports that anyone can do, no matter their background or experience,” Fudge said.
Normal West’s swim program has built a strong tradition of excellence.
“We’ve had some incredible swimmers come through here (…). We’ve had kids go on to the Olympic Trials. Andrew Loy, for example, who’s a West grad. We always try to connect our current athletes with the alumni who paved the way,” Fudge explained.
The girls’ swim team strives to begin every season with a goal.
“We have individual and team goals (…). We focus on improving together, whether it’s a better split, a personal best, or supporting a teammate,” Fudge stated.
at the Deerfield Invite, she was the 11 dive champ out of 10 teams. Rankin and company look to continue their success into the rest of the regular season and post season. (provided by Dawn Fudge)
The Wildcats’ intercity win this year was especially meaningful because it marked three consecutive wins.
“It’s a huge deal. Part of what makes it possible is our depth. We have girls at all different levels, which allows us to fill events and earn points in every race,” Fudge exclaimed.
The victory also highlighted the strength of the diving team: “Our divers are phenomenal. Lexi Rankin won diving again this year, and she’s made it to state two years in a row,” Fudge added.
For diver Lexi Rankin, anxiety was a big thing to overcome.
“Unlike warm-up or practice, everyone would be watching me and judging my performance,” Rankin said, “It’s a suffocating feeling, but I have learned how to talk myself down over all the time I have been diving. I used to get really caught up in a bad dive, but I have come to realize that one dive doesn’t make my meet.”
Rankin even broke the pool record at intercity, which has become one of her favorite moments.
“It was something that caught me so off guard, and it made me so happy to have my teammates celebrating and seemingly just as excited as I was,” Rankin explained.
While the Wildcats had several standout swims, Fudge pointed out that it was their consistency that sealed the win.
“Only two athletes took first, but our depth underneath that made the difference. Every second mattered,” Fudge stated.
Fudge had multiple highlights of the team, including Lexi Rankin, who achieved 1st in diving, Chloe Crater, who got 1st in the 100 backstroke and 3rd in the 200 IM, Kaitlyn Sunkel, who won 2nd in the 100 fly and 4th in the 500 Free, and Kaitlyn Owen got 2nd in both the 200 and 100 freestyle. Additionally, Halle Blakney achieved 3rd in the 100 breaststroke.
Other events also included the Medley relay (3rd place with a 3-second drop) and the 400 free relay, with 2nd in a photo finish.
“That last relay was so exciting. It came down to the final touch. Everyone was screaming. That’s what high school swimming is all about,” Fudge recalled.
Intercity meets are known for their high energy, and this year was no exception: “Inner City is just so much fun. I’ve coached a lot of these kids at different times; summer teams, club teams, so it feels like a big reunion,” Fudge said.
What stood out most to her, though, was the community turnout.
“I looked up in the stands and saw parents whose kids graduated years ago, and they still come to cheer us on. That’s what makes it special, it’s a community thing,” Fudge exclaimed.
“I was disappointed with my 500 Free,” West sophomore and swimmer, Kaitlyn Sunkel, said, “but then during the 400 Free Relay, I swam my fastest split ever, and we got second. My teammates and coaches always find a way to keep me motivated.”
However, Sunkel’s favorite moment was discovering that they won.
“Everyone was screaming and hugging, it was just pure excitement,” Sunkel recalled.
Seniors Kaitlyn Owen and Halle Blakney also had an emotional meet. Owen describes the meet as rewarding, saying, “I was really nervous for our 400 Free Relay. It’s my senior year, so I wanted to end strong. We dropped almost seven seconds, which is incredible. It reminded me that hard work really does pay off.”
For Blakney, the biggest challenge was mental.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself,” she admitted. “But I used that pressure as energy. My teammates always lift me up when I doubt myself. The best part was racing alongside people I’ve known for years through swimming.”
The Wildcats still have major meets coming up, and their biggest goals are to focus on fine-tuning and finish proudly, especially for the girls who are in their last meets.
“Illinois swimming is incredibly competitive. Making it to state here is a huge accomplishment, and that’s what keeps us motivated,” Blakney added.
For Fudge, coaching goes beyond times and medals.
“It’s about teaming life skills. Discipline, responsibility, and balance. These girls learn to get up at 6 a.m., juggle schoolwork, and still give 100%. Those lessons last long after the season ends,” Fudge said.
The team continues to honor Rach Dean, a former swimmer and assistant coach whose motto, “I came, I swam, I conquered,” still hangs on the pool wall.
“Rachel’s memory inspires everything we do. She’s still part of our West family,” Fudge said.
The Wildcats’ third straight victory reflects more than talent; it’s the result of teamwork, resilience, and a shared love for the sport. “Winning is wonderful, but watching these girls believe in themselves and each other, that’s what makes it all worth it,” Fudge stated.
The Wildcats will compete in the IHSA Sectional meet on November 8.
