On Saturday, October 25, the Yonkers Girls Varsity Swim Team made history once again at the Mark Twain Pool, capturing back-to-back League Championships. The team narrowly outpaced Lakeland High School by just 18 points — the same team that handed Yonkers its only loss during the dual meet season.
Last year, Yonkers claimed the district’s first-ever league title, and this year’s victory solidifies the program’s growing legacy.
Leading the way for Yonkers was junior Sara Bowden (YMA), who delivered a record-breaking performance in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:15.24, setting a new Yonkers team record. Bowden also earned a bronze medal in the 200-yard Individual Medley, finishing in 2:29.27 — a personal best.
Bowden reflected on her achievement, saying, “Breaking this record felt amazing, but I couldn’t have done it without my coaches, teammates, and everyone who’s supported me. It’s proof that hard work and consistency really do pay off.”
She continued to shine in the relays, anchoring the winning 200-yard freestyle relay alongside teammates Monica George (YMA), Caroline Lopez (LHS), and her younger sister Leah Bowden (YMA), clocking a time of 1:57.64. She also helped guide her team to a second-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay (2:12.94), teaming up with Lopez, George, and Rania El-Gamani (YHS).
The 400-yard freestyle relay team, featuring Eva Stern, El-Gamani, Olivia Quinn, and Leah Bowden, secured third place with a time of 4:48.17.
Coach Julie Schoenlank praised the team’s commitment and continued growth. “The girls had another incredible season,” Schoenlank said. “I’m so proud of how they’ve challenged themselves and supported one another. We’re all thrilled to see this success for the Yonkers district and the entire community.”
Yonkers will travel to Felix Festa Middle School Pool in Clarkstown on November 7 for the Section I Championships. The team finished the regular season with an impressive 7–1 record.
Individual Results
Caroline Lopez – 6th, 100-yard backstroke (1:17.79); 11th, 50-yard freestyle (31.44)
Olivia Quinn – 4th, 500-yard freestyle (7:01.00); 5th, 200-yard freestyle (2:36.21)
Amira Guerrero – 7th, 200 I.M. (3:13.24); 10th, 100-yard butterfly (1:31.72)
Monica George – 3rd, 100-yard butterfly (1:14.34); 8th, 50-yard freestyle (29.63)
Zohra Rahim – 19th, 100-yard freestyle (1:24.49)
Nayomi Lantigua – 10th, 100-yard freestyle (1:18.33)
Eva Stern – 4th, 100-yard breaststroke (1:27.21); 5th, 500-yard freestyle (7:09.04)
Ramzia Isumaila – 9th, 100-yard backstroke (1:29.26); 10th, 200 I.M. (3:26.74)
Ariana Granillo – 15th, 500-yard freestyle (8:38.31)
Jaslene Rivera – 15th, 200-yard freestyle (3:04.33)
Rania El-Gamani – 6th, 100-yard breaststroke (1:33.23); 9th, 50-yard freestyle (30.45)
Lindsey Marroquin – 6th, 200-yard freestyle (2:37.51); 7th, 100-yard butterfly (1:24.78)
Amira Nasim – 9th, 500-yard freestyle (7:48.70); 11th, 200-yard freestyle (2:50.40)
Mia Ramirez – 12th, 100-yard freestyle (1:21.59)
Alexys Capers – 17th, 100-yard freestyle (1:24.05)
Leah Bowden – 7th, 50-yard freestyle (29.54); 5th, 100-yard backstroke (1:16.37)
Team Results
Yonkers – 389
Lakeland/Panas – 371
Peekskill – 325
Poughkeepsie – 214.5
Woodlands – 187.5
Port Chester – 173
Brewster – 144
Mt. Vernon – 55
Pearl River – 29
Albertus Magnus – 23
