Maya Diaz is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Desert Vista High School for AZPreps365.com.

PHOENIX — Every weekday morning at 5 a.m. more than 50 swimmers and divers from Desert Vista High School load up on two buses for the 15-minute drive across Loop 202 to practice. Despite Desert Vista’s Phoenix address, the team trains and competes at a facility in Chandler.

Beyond final scores and podium finishes, there are efforts behind the scenes whose actions rarely make headlines. From district help to the parent-run booster club, these unsung heroes keep the Thunder afloat.

Cindi Hostetler, contract analyst for Tempe Union High School District, says the Nozomi pool is located on district-owned land, allowing for a discounted maintenance rate compared to others who rent the pool.

This lease agreement has allowed Desert Vista and other Tempe Union schools to practice and compete at Nozomi without needing to build and operate an on-campus pool.

While the buses transport swimmers to practices and meets, the Desert Vista Swim and Dive booster club helps everything run smoothly once they arrive. Made up of parents and volunteers, the club organizes fundraisers, snacks and team-bonding events to ensure the athletes are supported in and out of the pool.

“Our booster club provides the fun for the team,” club president Christie Stocker said, “we're just making sure the coaches have what they need, and the kids are having fun because it's such a short season.”

The booster club’s contributions, often covering the cost of food and Gatorade for the swimmers, fixing broken equipment and even invitational meet fees. Stocker also says they cover team bonding events like the welcome breakfast, pasta and pizza nights and state qualifiers dinners.

“I think we have great parents who step up, volunteer their time and volunteer to bring food,” said Stocker, the mother of senior swimmer Holland Stocker

Tempe Union School District Director of Transportation Sam Gonzales has seen prices increase in food and bus rides. He says over the last five years, the price of buses has also doubled.

“Fuel costs goes up and down.” Gonzales said, “Labor costs. Maintenance. Just everything in general…”

Gonzales said the district has had to increase the cost-per-mile rates for schools over the last four years, jumping from $1.30 to $2.50 per mile and increase bus driver wages by more than $5.

Stocker, however, combated this increase with their successful fundraisers. Their most successful being “Snap! Raise.” 

Last year, the booster club raised $11,00,0 which helped them purchase all the necessary equipment they lacked such as kickboards, tents and water jugs.

The combination of these efforts allows Desert Vista’s program to be successful among other Arizona programs. The boys and girls programs have combined for four state championships since 2013.