Enumclaw girls swim coach Ann Bettencourt said she is thankful for her ties with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and its pool.

The Enumclaw pool shut its doors for maintenance, cutting off the team from practice for two weeks. “It was a privilege and we are very grateful,” she said. “We are looking forward to getting back into our own pool and getting ready for the season.”

Bettencourt said this year’s Hornet team is smaller with around 20 on the roster. But small doesn’t equate to lack of experience.

The squad is loaded with veterans like captains Annie Birklid and Erin Wessel. Wessel was a district qualifier, as were Rachel Holston, Carly Hinman, Lori Lamm, Cassie Cook, Katie and Allie Larrea, Bella Davenport and Carlie Cairnes, who all return.

Davenport, a junior, is the Hornets’ lone returning state participant, twice competing in the 100-yard breaststroke.

The Hornets should be a diving force with the return of Erica Bonthuis, who set EHS’s 16-year-old, 11-dive record last year and finished seventh at state. The senior and state gymnast was 13th at state in 2009 and has been working on her diving during the off season.

Joining Bonthuis on the board will also be Nicole Wilson.