New coach encourages growth in Norwin swim teams

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 11:01 AM

New Norwin swimming and diving coach Kathy Bernardi believes her athletes will get out of the sport what they put into it.

She took over the program after the resignation of Doug Watson and brings instant enthusiasm to a program with very thin rosters.

“I am excited to be taking over the team from Doug and am focused on growing the team and increasing both our wins and number of individual WPIAL cuts,” Bernardi said. “The teams are both incredibly small. The girls team has 12 (swimmers) and the boys team has 10, so we recognize that it will be a challenge to win meets. We are up to the challenge, though.”

Norwin had several swimmers make WPIAL-cut times over the first two meets, including all six relays.

Bernardi’s assistants are Matt Mincucci and Julie Benson.

Here is a closer look at each team:

Boys

While depth is a concern, Bernardi appreciates her team’s attention to commitment and togetherness.

“We have adjusted our goals to fit our team,” Bernardi said. “We know that we don’t have the depth to really challenge other teams with more swimmers. But what we do have is 10 boys with awesome work ethic and a determination to achieve something great. Their strength lies in their camaraderie and encouragement of each other, while each one is very competitive and driven individually.”

Senior Tyler Turgeon is a key returnee and has achieved WPIAL times in the 100-yard backstroke and 200 individual medley. Turgeon is a Gannon commit.

Sophomores Aidan Samuels (100 butterfly) and Liam Samuels (50 free) also are WPIAL qualifiers.

Freshmen Ellis Slavin and Will Little also are looking to make a fast impact on the program.

Others to watch are junior Korbin Holliday (distance) and sophomore Preston Montag (500 free).

Girls

Junior Kismet Juart is a key sprinter who has been working on competing in the breaststroke, backstroke and 200 free.

Sophomore Olivia Ochapp has displayed versatility and should score points.

Versatility also is a common trait in junior Chloe Verdin and sophomore Riley Baker.

“This group of girls are incredibly hard working and excited to see that work paying off,” Bernardi said. “We have a lot of new swimmers, or swimmers who haven’t been in the water since elementary school, so watching them learn how to flip-turn or dive or get stronger with every practice has been so fun for us coaches.”

With only a dozen girls, any points will be critical.

“It will be difficult to win meets,” Bernardi said. “But their goal is to not make it easy for any team.”

Senior Hanna Klingensmith is competing for the varsity team for the first time, but she is accomplished in the water. In fact, she recently committed to swim at Bucknell.

“She will probably have the WPIAL cut in every event,” Bernardi said.

Sophomore Amber Klingensmith also will be a varsity first-timer and shows promise in multiple events.

Others to watch include freshmen Remi Detschelt and Amelia Verdin.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin