Two Teams, One Unstoppable Force: The 2025 Swammy Awards Crown New High School Champions
The world of high school swimming just witnessed a thrilling showdown, with two teams rising above the rest to claim the coveted 2025 Swammy Awards for High School Team of the Year. But here's where it gets exciting: one team shattered a national record, while the other cemented their legacy in a region known for breeding swimming legends. Meet the Santa Margarita (CA) girls and the Bolles (FL) boys, the undisputed champions of the pool.
Santa Margarita Girls: A Dynasty Continues with Record-Breaking Flair
The Santa Margarita girls aren't just winning; they're dominating. In May, they secured their sixth consecutive California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division I championship, a testament to their unwavering dedication and talent. Leading the charge was Teagan O’Dell, a freshman at Cal and the reigning 2023 World Junior Champion in the 200 backstroke. O’Dell's final high school performance was nothing short of spectacular, claiming victories in the 200 IM (1:53.96) and the 100 back (51.27).
But O’Dell's impact extended beyond individual glory. She was the catalyst for Santa Margarita's relay triumphs. In the 200 free relay, her blistering leadoff leg of 22.39 set the pace for teammates Chloe Stinson, Victoria Mori, and Gracyn Aquino to secure a win in 1:31.55. Later, O’Dell's 48.61 leadoff in the 400 free relay, alongside Eileen Song, Valentina Delgado, and Sammy Cummins, propelled the team to a victory in 3:22.76. Santa Margarita's dominance wasn't limited to these events; they also claimed the 200 medley relay, showcasing their versatility and depth. Their total score of 229.5 points, a staggering 82 points ahead of the runner-up, solidified their position as the undisputed champions.
Bolles Boys: A National Record and a Legacy Extended
The Bolles boys are no strangers to the winner's circle, having claimed the Swammy Award for the second consecutive year. Their victory at the Florida 1A State Championships was nothing short of historic. The team of Krish Jain, Lucas Young (Michigan commit), George Dovellos (Harvard commit), and Liam Carrington (NC State commit) etched their names in the record books by setting a new national record in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:26.67, surpassing the previous record held by Hinsdale (IL). This achievement marked the 17th time in 18 years that Bolles has claimed the state title in this event, a testament to their consistent excellence.
Bolles' dominance extended far beyond the relay. They swept nine events, amassing a staggering 619 points to secure their 38th consecutive state championship. Individual standouts included Charlie Zuhoski (Duke commit) winning the 200 IM, George Dovellos claiming the 100 fly, and Liam Carrington topping the 100 free, all achieving personal best times. The team's depth was further highlighted by their victories in the 200 free relay and the 400 free relay, showcasing their ability to excel across all disciplines.
Honorable Mentions: Dynasties Continue
While Santa Margarita and Bolles stole the spotlight, other teams deserve recognition for their remarkable achievements. The Carmel (IN) girls continued their unprecedented reign, winning their 39th consecutive state championship. Alex Shackell, a standout performer, became the first swimmer in Indiana history to win four straight state titles in the 100 fly, capping off her high school career with an impressive 14 state titles, seven of which were individual. Her contributions to the U.S. 4×100 medley relay team's gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games further solidify her status as a rising star.
The St. Xavier (KY) boys extended their dynasty, claiming their 37th straight state championship and 61st overall. Led by Alex Thiesing (Michigan freshman) and Thomas Mercer (Virginia freshman), they showcased their dominance with Thiesing setting a state record in the 200 freestyle and Mercer breaking his own state record in the 200 IM. Both swimmers were instrumental in the team's relay victories, highlighting their versatility and team spirit.
A Legacy of Excellence: Past Swammy Winners
The 2025 Swammy Awards add another chapter to the rich history of high school swimming excellence. Past winners include:
- 2024: Carmel (IN) Girls & Bolles School (FL) Boys
- 2023: Carmel (IN) Girls & Keller (TX) Boys
- 2022: Carmel (IN) Boys
- 2021: Bolles School (FL) Boys
- 2020: Carmel (IN) Boys
- 2019: Baylor School (TN) Girls
- 2018: Fossil Ridge (CO) Girls
- 2017: Carmel (IN) Girls
- 2016: Carmel (IN) Girls
- 2015: Carmel (IN) Girls
Food for Thought: What Makes a Champion?
The 2025 Swammy Awards celebrate not just individual talent, but the power of teamwork, dedication, and a winning culture. Is it the rigorous training regimens, the unwavering support of coaches and families, or the inherent talent of these young athletes? What do you think are the key ingredients for building a championship-caliber swim team? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's dive into this fascinating discussion!
