New coach, veteran swimmers ready to make waves for Dragons

October 28, 2026 by Alan Sloan

Clinton High School’s swim team is plunging into the 2026-27 season with a new head coach, a strong senior class and plenty of leadership in the pool.

Laura Knott, who spent the past five years as an assistant coach for the Dragons, takes over a program featuring 21 swimmers, including several seniors who have already made an impression on her.

Leading the way is senior Ryan Keller, a returning state qualifier who competes in the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle.

“Senior Ryan Keller was my one state qualifier,” Knott said.

“He actually competes with Atomic Swim Club over in Oak Ridge, and he is a distance swimmer for them. So he just competed recently and did the 1,650 yards and ended up doing it in 19 minutes and 15 seconds.

“It’s absolutely incredible. I’m amazed by any distance swimmer. I think it takes a lot of dedication and fortitude to be able to swim consistently for a long period.”

Keller’s versatility extends beyond distance events.

“He is a very diverse swimmer,” Knott said. “He’s got a great butterfly. And he can sprint, too. He’s got a great time in his 50 free — 25.55 seconds.”

But Keller isn’t the only senior making waves for the Dragons.

Knott praised Wesley Hill for his development, dedication and leadership throughout his high school career.

“I’m really proud of Wesley Hill,” she said. “He’s come such a long way in high school. He’s also All-State band and plays the saxophone. So I know that his attention can be divided, but he still puts in a lot of great work at practice.

“He’s been a leader on the team, especially this season. I’ve seen a lot of leadership qualities come out in him and maturity, and I’m so impressed.”

Senior Cooper Bostrom is another multisport athlete who brings experience and leadership to the pool.

“He is also a dual-sport athlete. He is competing in cross country currently, and then he shows up on the pool deck,” Knott said. “He’s honestly really strong in backstroke, the 100 back.

“And just that quiet leadership, you know, has no problem stepping in to help the younger swimmers and just keep everyone supported on the team.”

Senior Marlon Hamblin has impressed Knott with his determination to improve his technique and lower his times.

“He has really grown. He’s improved so much over the last few years that he’s been on the team,” she said. “He loves to understand the mechanics behind his stroke and how to improve himself.

“He’s always checking in for how to get better, how to do things a little bit differently in order to drop time and how to get more consistent. So I’m really proud of him.”

Senior Leah Thelen has also embraced new challenges while emerging as a leader for Clinton’s younger swimmers.

“She takes on challenges right and left,” Knott said.

“I have not had a female swimmer who’s been willing to do the 200 IM, and she jumped right into it this year and said, ‘Yes, that’s me, sign me up.’

“She’s been a leader on deck in practice. She’s always willing to help out the younger swimmers who are just starting out.”

For Knott, that willingness to lead and encourage teammates is just as important as winning races or qualifying for state competition.

“I feel like our team is defined not necessarily by the number of state-qualifying swimmers,” she said. “We have leaders with such amazing leadership qualities that are bringing up the next generation of swimmers and helping all of them be more successful.

“I’m so proud of that as a coach. I care so much less about all the records than I do about the culture.”

Clinton’s roster also includes junior Tracy Estill; sophomores Amelia Goins, Kiera Vuolo, Piper Bostrom, Nancy Estill and Cayden McGaha; and freshmen Mateya Mogilski and Jerrod Emery.

With an experienced senior class setting the tone, Knott is eager to see what the Dragons can accomplish in her first season at the helm.

“I’m just excited about what I think we’re going to accomplish this season,” she said. “I’m so excited for the opportunity to be their coach.”