Girls' swimming coach of the year: Kate Doane, Cheyenne Mountain

Even with star Ashley Forsyth injured for most of the season and unable to repeat as a state titlist, coach Kate Doane led Cheyenne Mountain to the 4A Metro League title and a fourth-place finish at state.

The Indians qualified 15 swimmers in 22 events, one diver and all three relays for the state meet — an improvement from last year when the team placed third.

“Our numbers were the same, but we had more girls qualify for state,” Doane said. “I think the girls were just more driven this year.”

And that was key to the success of the team, which lost just two duals — to 5A Lewis-Palmer and 4A champ Thompson Valley.

“It just showed that we can do this, we can work hard, we can get behind each other and still do good,” Doane said.

Doane had a little challenge of her own. She gave birth to her son, Townes, four days after the season started.

“The girls all took care of him,” Doane said. “He was our mascot this year.”

Doane wasn’t able to get back in the water until the week of March 14. But she never stopped coaching as she recovered.

“I love coaching,” said Doane, a physical education teacher at Gold Camp Elementary. “I love watching boys and girls progress. It’s fun to see the excitement in their eyes. It’s fun to see their faces when they know they can do it. It’s fun to have that connection with the kids.”