Rush takes over the reins of Golden Eagles' swim team

Starting in August a new coach will be at the helm of arguably the most dominating swim team in 32-5A for more than a decade.

Longtime Hanna swim coach Monica Rosales has moved on leaving behind 17 district titles and her predecessor Caroline Rush a former Olympic trial qualifier will bring invaluable experience to a Golden Eagle program that looks to only get better.

In Rosales' 13 years as head coach she won 12 girls district titles and five boys championships leaving some pretty big shoes to fill for Rush.

Yet, with an impressive résumé that includes four-straight Division I championships at Auburn along with coming from less than two second from a world 100-meter backstroke record the former Golden Eagle coach has no doubt that the tradition of Hanna swimming will continue to flourish.

"Having that type of experience speaks for itself," Rosales said. "The kids really like her and I think she'll be a tremendous asset to the Hanna program."

Rush has spent her last two years coaching the Lopez Lobos team and said making the move to Hanna was something she has de-sired since moving from Barcelona.

"I wanted to step-up the program and work with the most talented swimmers in the district," Rush said. "So I went for it."

Although Rush is not having formal practices with her future Golden Eagle swimmers many of them are training through club and recreation at the Margaret M. Aquatic center.

The hire could set up what should be another year of Hanna success in the waters but Rush won't settle for just district, in fact, she has her sights on taking the distinguished program to an even higher level.

"I'm ready for the challenge," Rush said. "We are going to push for regionals and get a bunch of kids to state."

Rosales who is now the Aquatic Center Administrator said she expects both boys and girls teams to enjoy similar success even in Rush's inaugural season as coach.

"I expect the girls to repeat as district champs," she said. "Even take it to regionals, last year it was very close."