February is here, and our boys swim & dive teams are gearing up for the biggest meets of the season! This week, we are celebrating the incredible success of our swimmers and divers—athletes who train year-round, push their limits every day, and represent PSD with excellence both in and out of the pool. We are also celebrating our middle school girls basketball teams as they head into the District Tournament, and recognizing three Peninsula High School student-athletes who are taking their talents to the next level. Plus, we are sharing updated social media procedures for coaches to help protect our athletes and our programs.

Let’s dive in! 🏊

Let's talk about swimming. If you have never been to a swim meet, you might not realize just how intense this sport is. These athletes are not just racing against opponents—they are racing against the clock, pushing their bodies to the absolute limit, and doing it all while holding their breath.

Swimming is one of the most physically demanding sports out there. It requires strength, endurance, technique, and mental toughness. And our boys swim & dive teams? They are bringing all of that and more this season.

Head Coach: Mike Kelly

Assistant Coach: Diana Litsch

Volunteer Coach: Beau Ensminger

Dive Coach: Alyse Yeaman

The Tides are having a season for the record books.

Let's break down what they have accomplished:

✅ 11-0 dual meet record (perfect season!)

✅ 10-0 against Puget Sound League opponents

✅ Defeated Bainbridge Island (the reigning WIAA 2A Champions)

✅ Back-to-back Swimvitational Champions

✅ 414 points at PSL Championships (Silas was second with 221)

✅ Won 9 out of 12 events at PSL Championships

✅ Team GPA of 3.5+

Head Coach Mike Kelly said it best: "This year's Tides team has been successful with talent and depth. Often people remember the top finishers, which the Tides have. More importantly for the Tides this season, is that we have depth in almost all events. In the postseason meets, it is the depth of a team that wins meets."

And he is absolutely right. Championships are not won by one or two-star athletes; they are won by teams that can score points across every event. The Tides have that depth, and it is showing!

Every great team has great leadership, and the Tides are no exception. Captains Travis Scott (SR), Jace Garre (SR), and Charles Davis (JR) have set the tone all season long—on the deck and in the water.

Travis Scott has been nothing short of phenomenal. He has remained undefeated in every race this season. At the PSL Championship meet, he won both the 100 Freestyle and the 200 Freestyle, posting a winning time of 1:45.88 in the 200 Free—a time that qualified him for the WIAA 3A State Championship meet.

That is dominance. That is what championship-level swimming looks like!

Coach Kelly put it perfectly: "The Tides Boys Swim & Dive program has a long, rich culture of success that dates back to the first years of GHHS. This year's squad and their achievements have added another successful chapter to the legacy that is Tides Boys Swim & Dive. The tradition of excellence continues."

That is what this program is all about—building on a legacy, raising the standard, and proving that hard work and dedication pay off.

District Prelims are here. This afternoon, the Tides head to Rogers High School to compete for seeding at the West Central District Championships.

Good luck to the Tides as they battle it out in prelims.

Head Coach: Hunter Hobbs

Assistant Coach: Athena Pettersen

Assistant Coach: Ekatarina Andren

Dive Coach: Alyse Yeaman

The Seahawks are making waves this season! With an 8–1 league record, PHS athletes are competing at a high level and representing their school with pride, grit, and determination.

Swimming is no joke—early mornings, long meets, endless laps—and these athletes show up every day ready to push themselves. Whether it’s shaving seconds off personal bests or cheering on teammates from the deck, the Seahawks embody what it means to work hard and support each other.

From practice to meets, the Seahawks are showing what it means to compete with heart. Keep it up, PHS—your effort and teamwork are what make this season one to remember!

The Seahawks & Tides are heading into the West Central District III 3A Boys Swim & Dive Championship meet THIS WEEKEND, and they are both in strong positions.

📅 West Central District 3A Championship Schedule:

🗓️ Friday, February 6 - Prelims at 5:00 PM

🗓️ Saturday, February 7 - Finals at 3:30 PM

The goal? Win the District Championship and qualify as many individuals and relays as possible for the 2026 WIAA 3A State Championship meet.

If you have never been to a swim meet, this weekend is your chance. The energy is electric, the competition is intense, and watching these athletes give everything they have is something you won't forget.

Travis Buell is a junior at Peninsula High School, and he’s doing something extraordinary: competing at a high level in three year-round sports—all while maintaining strong academics and navigating personal challenges with resilience.

Here is what he has accomplished so far:

Seven seasons. Five varsity letters. Three sports. And Travis is not done yet. If he achieves his swim goals at State this month and makes Varsity Baseball this spring, he will have successfully competed at the varsity level in three incredibly demanding year-round sports—all while excelling academically.

As his mom, Julia, shared:

That is the essence of a true student-athlete—dedication, resilience, and heart. Travis, we are proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

This is what it’s all about. High school athletics opens doors—athletically, academically, and beyond. This week, we’re celebrating three Peninsula student-athletes who signed to continue their careers in college while pursuing degrees that will set them up for life after sports.

Royal is headed to Ellensburg to join the CWU Wildcats. His work ethic, discipline, and leadership on the field have earned him this opportunity, and he’ll carry those same traits into the classroom.

Congrats, Royal—Go Wildcats!

Bev signed with Occidental College in Los Angeles, combining college basketball with an elite liberal arts education. She’s a true student-athlete who’s balanced academics and athletics at a high level.

Congrats, Bev—Go Tigers!

Emma will continue her volleyball career at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Known for strong academics and a commitment to well-rounded students, Pacific is a great fit for Emma’s drive and character.

Congrats, Emma—Go Boxers!

Only a small percentage of student-athletes compete in college, but the lessons they learn—discipline, resilience, teamwork—last forever. Royal, Bev, and Emma are taking those lessons to the next level, and we could not be more proud.

Let’s talk about something critical: social media and communication boundaries. In today’s digital world, it is easy for lines to blur—but clear boundaries protect your athletes, your program, and you.

📰 Media & Public Relations

✅ Use FinalForms & ParentSquare

✅ Include a parent/guardian

✅ Keep your digital presence professional

✅ Direct media questions to your AD

✅ Promote your program via district channels

🚫 Text, DM, or message athletes personally

🚫 Follow or friend athletes on personal social media

🚫 Post athlete info/images on personal accounts

🚫 Speak to media without district approval

🚫 Blur the line between coach and friend

When in doubt: ask yourself—Is this professional, transparent, and something I’d explain to an administrator or parent? If not, don’t do it.

These guidelines aren’t rules for the sake of rules—they are here to protect everyone and keep PSD athletics safe, positive, and professional.

🏊 Boys Swim & Dive - West Central District 3A Championships at Rogers HS Aquatic Center

📣 GHHS Cheer - Battle Ground High School

🏀 Basketball at Foss High School

🏊 Boys Swim & Dive - West Central District 3A Championships at Rogers HS Aquatic Center

📣 GHHS Cheer - Battle Ground High School

🤼 PHS Boys/Girls Wrestling - Varsity at Bellarmine Preparatory

With multiple teams competing across different locations this week and several postseason outcomes still to be determined, it isn’t possible to publish a complete postseason calendar at this time. We’ll share updates as soon as schedules are confirmed so everyone can plan accordingly.

Thank you for your understanding and support as our student-athletes compete at the highest level

⚠️ Reminder: End-of-season schedules can change quickly as teams advance to district and state competitions. Please stay connected with your coaches and team communications for the most up-to-date information.

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback about the Playbook or PSD athletics, please reach out to us at athletics@psd401.net

Your input helps us make our programs and communications even better!