Former SCST Swimmer Marissa Hengesbach Shines at 2023 FHSAA 2A State Swimming Championships

The 2023 FHSAA 2A State Swimming Championships held a special treat for the Sun Coast Swim Team (SCST) and its coaches, as they had the opportunity to cheer on one of their former swimmers, Marissa Hengesbach. Marissa, who swam for Bishop Moore Catholic High School at the Championships, brought a wave of excitement and pride to her former coaches, and the entire SCST community.

Marissa and her siblings were an integral part of the Sun Coast Swim Team for several years, leaving an indelible mark on the team's culture and camaraderie. Their mother, Laura, was a SCST coach and was strong part of our SCST community until their relocation to another part of the state for work. The bonds formed during their time at SCST extended beyond the pool, making this special reunion at the State Championships even more meaningful.

The SCST coaches, Coach Penn and Coach Dyer, made sure to be on deck to support Marissa during her races. Their dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a sense of unity among their swimmers was evident as they proudly posed for a photo with Marissa. The image captured the essence of the SCST family, where support and encouragement are unwavering, even when swimmers move on to new opportunities.

Marissa's impressive performances at the State Championships were a testament to her dedication and the solid foundation she built while swimming with SCST. She medaled individually with a 5th-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle event, and with a 6th-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

The SCST community continues to be a loud cheerleaders, as they do for all their former swimmers whether they always know it or not. Marissa's achievements at the State Championships are just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in the world of competitive swimming. The entire Sun Coast Swim Team eagerly anticipates her future accomplishments and stands ready to support her every stroke of the way.