Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Making waves: Two Tigers rise to the top of the Woods swim team

April 11, 2025 10:11 AM

At Spring Woods High School (SWHS) in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), swimming is more than just a sport – it’s a journey of perseverance, resiliency, and growth.

This is especially true for two students – Jose Guillen and Jenedid Hernandez, who, with little or no experience in the water, are now making waves in the pool.

Jose, a junior who is set to be team captain next year, learned the fundamentals of swimming as a middle schooler in SBISD. Since then, he has excelled as a top swimmer, mastering the backstroke and winning at the district level.

“Swimming is usually one of those sports you need to start early to be successful,” said Amie Stephens, swim coach at Spring Woods High School. “Jose overcame the odds and has become a huge asset to our team.”

Jose has leveraged his swimming skills and landed a job as a lifeguard after school, which helps his family make ends meet.

“Jose is all around a great kid. He’s polite, kind, and respectful, and does well academically,” said Stephens. “I’m proud to have him on the team.”

Jenedid, a sophomore, couldn’t even tread water a couple of years ago but is now finding her lane in the swimming pool, claiming first in the district in the 500-meter freestyle – a race that requires swimmers to complete 20 grueling lengths of the pool.

“Jenedid is like a sponge, absorbing as much knowledge about swimming as she can,” said Stephens. “Her quiet determination, positive attitude, and strong work ethic make her an essential part of the team.”

Jenedid’s hard work and determination have set her up to potentially take on the role of team captain in the future.

Coach George Kutac, the swim and diving coach in SBISD, has been instrumental in developing talent within the program. He has observed Jose and Jenedid grow from hesitant beginners to confident competitors. Their stories illustrate what is possible when students receive the right support, guidance, and encouragement.

“Competitive swimming can be an expensive sport, often requiring early access to lessons and club teams – opportunities not always available to everyone,” said Kutac. “One of the main goals of our program is to bridge the gap, enabling students like Jose and Jenedid to develop their skills and shine.”

For Jose and Jenedid, swimming is about more than just winning races. It has given them life skills, leadership opportunities, and a sense of accomplishment.

“Their success in the pool proves that with hard work and perseverance, barriers can be broken and new goals achieved, setting an example for the next generation of student swimmers,” said Stephens.