By Becky Maxedon

Two members of the Havasu Stingrays Swim Team qualified for championship meets over the past two weekends – one at the Senior State Championships and one at the Age Group State Championships.

Aubrey Vessells represented the Stingrays at the Senior State Championships in Mesa. 

Vessells has spent many years in the pool and has been a tremendous inspiration to her teammates through her dedication and leadership, her coach Rick Wheeler said.

“This was her final Short Course championship meet as a Stingray, and while the team will certainly miss her, we are all very excited to see her continue her swimming career in college,” he said.

Aubrey Vessells. Photo courtesy Nicole Brown

Vessells made the finals in the 100 Backstroke against some of the top swimmers in the state.

This weekend, rising Stingray Kadey Batista competed at the Age Group State Championships in Oro Valley, at just 12 years old. 

“She swam five events at the meet and set personal bests in every race. She qualified for the finals in all five events but competed in only four, as her family needed to leave early on Sunday to travel to Goodyear to welcome a new baby,” Wheeler said.

“Even with the early departure, Kadey had an outstanding meet and represented the Stingrays with great determination.

Kadey Batista. Photo courtesy Nicole Brown.

“I am incredibly proud of both of these athletes and the hard work and dedication they bring to the pool every day. Swimming is not an easy sport to master, and every swimmer who comes to practice continues to push through the grind to improve. We are getting very close to having even more Stingrays qualify for these big championship meets,” Wheeler said.

He said the Short-Course season is ending and the club will now focus on the Long-Course season ahead.

Vessels will continue training with the team through the summer before beginning her collegiate swimming career.