Get ready for an exciting dive into the world of high school swimming! We're about to unveil the 2025 Swammy Awards, celebrating the incredible achievements of these young athletes. But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little unexpected!
The 2025 Swammy Award for High School Team of the Year goes to the Santa Margarita girls' team from California and the Bolles boys squad from Florida. These teams have not only dominated their respective states but have also left an indelible mark on the national stage.
Let's start with the Santa Margarita girls. This powerhouse team has an impressive streak going, having won their sixth consecutive California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division I championship in May. Led by the exceptional Teagan O'Dell, now a freshman at Cal, the team dominated the relays and individual events. O'Dell, the 2023 World Junior Champion in the 200 backstroke, ended her high school career with a bang, winning the 200 IM and the 100 back with impressive times.
But it's not just about individual achievements. Santa Margarita's success lies in the strength of their team. O'Dell's relay performances, alongside teammates like Chloe Stinson, Victoria Mori, and Gracyn Aquino, were nothing short of remarkable. Their precision and speed in the 200 and 400 free relays, as well as the 200 medley relay, showcased a well-rounded and talented squad.
And this is where it gets even more impressive: Santa Margarita was the only team at the meet to accumulate over 200 points, finishing with a whopping 229.5 points! That's a clear indication of their dominance and depth in talent.
Now, let's shift our focus to the Bolles boys, who have earned the Team of the Year honors for the second year in a row. This team set a national record in the 200 medley relay at the Florida 1A State Championships, solidifying their place in swimming history. The team, comprising Krish Jain, Lucas Young, George Dovellos, and Liam Carrington, clocked an incredible time of 1:26.67, breaking the previous record set by Hindsdale in Illinois.
But their success extends beyond this record-breaking performance. The Bolles boys dominated the meet, winning a staggering nine events and accumulating a total of 619 points! That's an impressive feat, and it's no wonder they've claimed their 38th consecutive state championship.
The team's individual performances were equally impressive. Charlie Zuhoski, Ethan Bathala, and Thi Rai all claimed victories in their respective events, with personal best times to boot. And let's not forget the relay teams, where the Bolles boys continued to showcase their strength and teamwork.
Now, here's a fun fact: the Bolles boys' 200 medley relay team has won the state title an incredible 17 times in the last 18 years! That's a dynasty in the making, and it's no surprise they've earned this prestigious award.
Of course, we can't forget to give a shout-out to the honorable mentions: the Carmel girls' team from Indiana and the St. Xavier boys team from Kentucky. These teams have also established impressive dynasties, with Carmel winning 39 consecutive state championships and St. Xavier claiming 37 straight titles in Kentucky.
So, there you have it! The 2025 Swammy Awards celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of these high school swimming teams. But here's the real question: do you think these teams deserve their awards? Or is there another team out there that should have been recognized? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on these swimming sensations!
