Bonney Lake High swim coach Ruth Conrad is smiling. She has 22 girls in the water this fall and that’s before school started Tuesday.

There is one noticeable loss in the Panther program – diver Kelsi Potterf graduated. Potterf was a three-time state participant who finished fourth in 2009 and has taken her skills to the University of Idaho.

But there are a few familiar faces on deck for the Panthers like returning seniors Katie Koens, who swims the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle, Ali Ehle, 100 backstroke and 50 and 100 freestyle, and Jessica Olsen, 100 and 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Conrad also is thrilled with the eight freshman who have been turning out.

The offseason brought a shakeup to the area’s leagues, but the Panthers will remain Class 3A and compete in familiar territory in the South Puget Sound League 3A. Auburn Mountainview, Enumclaw, Lakes and Peninsula also stayed in the SPSL 3A and brought in Class 4A Decatur.

The Panthers start the season, and league, with two road meets, Sept. 16 at Auburn Mountainview and Sept. 23 at Peninsula.