It was a banner day for swimming in the United States on September 10, 2025, as two remarkable stories unfolded across different levels of competition. From the national spotlight with USA Swimming unveiling its largest National Team roster in years, to the local excitement in Minnesota where Brainerd Warriors dominated the Detroit Lakes Lakers, the sport continues to thrive on both grand and grassroots stages.
USA Swimming made waves with the official announcement of its 121-member National Team for the 2025-26 season—a jump of fifteen athletes compared to last year’s squad. The selection, based on performances from September 2024 through August 2025, underscores the depth and breadth of American swimming talent heading into a pivotal period that includes the Pan Pacific Championships and the long-term goal of Los Angeles 2028.
Leading the charge once again is the legendary Katie Ledecky, who notched her fourteenth consecutive appearance on the National Team. No active swimmer can boast such longevity at the elite level. "We have witnessed incredibly high-level performances this past summer," said Greg Meehan, Managing Director of the National Team. "This roster confirms that the group is well prepared for the Pan Pacific Championships and for the challenges ahead toward Los Angeles 2028."
Ledecky is joined by a host of returning stars and fresh faces. On the men’s side, both Caeleb Dressel and Michael Andrew celebrate their tenth career selections, a testament to their consistency and prowess in the pool. But it’s not just about the veterans—50 swimmers are making their National Team debut, including Patrick Sammon, who captured relay gold at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, and Leah Shackley, a standout at the World University Games.
The diversity of the 2025-26 roster is striking. Representation spans 33 states and 25 universities, with California leading the way at 14 athletes. The University of Virginia also shines as the most represented collegiate program, matching California’s tally with 14 swimmers. This cross-country talent pool suggests a bright future for American swimming, both at the collegiate and national levels.
The women’s roster is stacked with talent and versatility. Regan Smith, for the second year running, is the most versatile athlete on the team, qualifying in an impressive seven events across backstroke and butterfly. Smith’s ability to compete at the highest level in multiple strokes sets her apart in a field already brimming with stars. Other notable names include Kate Douglass, who brings sprint, breaststroke, and medley skills; Torri Huske, who will contest the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle as well as the 100 butterfly; Claire Curzan, a backstroke specialist; Gretchen Walsh, excelling in sprint freestyle and butterfly; and Claire Weinstein, a force in distance freestyle events.
On the men’s side, Shaine Casas leads in event versatility with six qualifications, covering backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, and medley. Bobby Finke returns as a distance specialist, focusing on the 800 and 1500 freestyle as well as the 400 medley. Carson Foster, Luke Hobson, and Thomas Heilman round out a formidable men’s lineup, each bringing their own specialties to the table.
National Team athletes won’t just be competing for medals—they’ll also benefit from a comprehensive support system. The package includes direct salaries, healthcare coverage, travel and recovery funds, psychological assistance, and educational resources through the US Olympic Committee’s ACE program. This robust support structure is designed to help athletes maintain peak performance, both in and out of the pool.
As Meehan noted, "This roster confirms that the group is well prepared for the Pan Pacific Championships and for the challenges ahead toward Los Angeles 2028." The message is clear: USA Swimming is not just looking to maintain its dominance, but to expand it, fostering both established legends and emerging stars.
While the national program looks ahead to international glory, local swimming communities continue to make headlines of their own. In the Central Lakes Conference, the Brainerd Warriors showcased their depth and determination with a commanding 112-70 victory over the Detroit Lakes Lakers. The meet was packed with standout performances and first-time achievements, underscoring the vibrancy of high school swimming in Minnesota.
Luella Guida made a splash with her first varsity win, clocking a 2:34.46 in the 200-yard individual medley. It was a moment to remember for the young swimmer, who also contributed to relay victories later in the meet. Lily Larson took top honors in the 100 butterfly with a time of 1:05.02, edging out teammates Isabelle Ploof and Guida. Ploof herself captured the 200 freestyle in 2:00.91 and played a pivotal role in multiple relays.
Avery Duerr and Aralyn Marcelo emerged as multi-event standouts for Brainerd. Duerr clinched victories in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke, while Marcelo dominated the 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. The two joined forces with Emme Murray and Kaia Iske to win the 200 medley relay, and later teamed up with Ploof and Guida for a triumphant 400 freestyle relay. Marcelo, Ploof, Guida, and Allie Reilley also captured the 200 freestyle relay, demonstrating Brainerd’s impressive relay depth.
The Warriors’ dominance extended to distance events and diving. Allie Reilley posted a first-place 5:42.86 in the 500 freestyle, while Brainerd’s divers swept the podium. Blair Ahlquist notched her second straight dual meet victory with a score of 217.25, followed closely by GiGi Lundren (202.3) and Corrina Rabasco. The team’s collective performance highlighted not just individual excellence, but a strong sense of teamwork and momentum heading into the heart of the season.
It’s clear that from the upper echelons of USA Swimming to the energetic atmosphere of high school meets, the sport is enjoying a period of remarkable depth and enthusiasm. With a National Team brimming with both seasoned champions and eager newcomers, and local teams like Brainerd setting the pace in their communities, American swimming is poised for more memorable moments in the months and years ahead.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these athletes—whether they’re chasing Olympic dreams or first varsity wins. The journey is just beginning, and the water has never looked more inviting for the next wave of American swimming talent.
