By: Julie Li
The Williamsville East Girls Varsity swim team continues to dominate in the 2026-2027 season, with an undefeated 9-0 season. With the ECIC Division II and Section VI Class B championship around the corner the Lady Flames have continued to train hard and build success in the pool.
During the 2026 season, the Lady Flames have gone against Hamburg twice, winning (66-32) and (108-68), Sweet Home (186-18), Kenmore (186-92), Amherst (71-23), Lockport (124-45), Starpoint (124-59), Orchard Park (109-74), Cleveland Hill (127-44), Williamsville North (123-61), and Williamsville South (130-42).
(Note: if you did the math and realized that the number of schools East competed against didn’t equal 9. That’s because a variety of tri meets occurred)
During the dual season, the team home pool at Transit Middle School and Hamburg’s pool have new pool records. Along with Phoebe Risch being recognized by BTPM Local Sports, a part of Buffalo Toronto Public Media who covers WNY sports, as the player of the week. They mentioned Phoebe Risch’s achievements of having qualified for the NYS Championship meet all 5 years of her career, the multiple state and sectional qualifying times achieved, along with many personal bests.
Beyond the times on the scoreboard, the team is defined by the connections they share with each other. From the early Saturday practices to the Dips and Craft outside the pool. Whether it’s cheering at the top of their lungs out for a teammate or cheering them up after a rough race, the team’s unwavering support for one another fuels their continued success each season.
Head coach Chris Miller has continued to guide the team with his characteristics of leadership with his assistant coaches, Brook Pettis and Jessica Shine, who brought a particular sense of community to the pool deck. With a combined knowledge of physical therapy, nutrition, and mental health, all three individuals and Williamsville East alumni, made the Lady Flames feel supported both in and out the water.
As they are still practicing and working hard for the ECIC Division II, Section VI Class B, Section VI, and NYSPHSAA, their seasons are far from over. With the Lady Flames’ determination in the pool and unwavering support of each other, they continue to look ahead and the opportunities still to come. Wish the Lady Flames during these upcoming meets, as they will continue to work hard to keep their legacy of excellence ongoing. GO FLAMES!