The 2024-25 swim season proved to be one of the strongest in recent years for Olathe Northwest, with standout performances at the state level, individual breakthroughs, and a team culture rooted in accountability and friendly competition.
Key Contributors
Several swimmers rose to the occasion this season, making a significant impact in both individual and team events:
Bryan Branstrom (Junior) capped off a remarkable season with a 4th place finish in the 50 freestyle and 7th in the 100 freestyle at the state championships—this, despite battling a serious ankle sprain at the start of the year.
Eric Spencer (Freshman) emerged as a promising young talent, placing 11th at state in the 100 backstroke.
Braden Zimmerman (Junior) delivered a standout performance on the boards, placing 5th in state diving.
Spencer Lein (Senior) wrapped up his high school career with a personal best in the 100 fly, finishing 10th in an exceptionally competitive field.
Season Summary
Overall, the season was a great success. It was one of the team's better scoring years at the state level across both individual events and relays. The internal competition during practice, particularly among swimmers vying for relay spots, helped elevate the entire team’s performance.
Development and Growth
Senior Spencer Lein continued to lead with maturity and focus, finishing his career on a high note. Meanwhile, Ben Muller, who only began swimming a year ago, showed incredible improvement thanks to his dedication during the offseason. His rise became one of the most inspiring stories on the team.
Overcoming Adversity
Early challenges—such as Bryan’s ankle injury—were met with determination and focus. Bryan’s resilience set a tone for the rest of the team, demonstrating that setbacks can be overcome with hard work and a strong mindset.
Senior Leadership
This year’s senior class brought discipline, drive, and leadership. They set a high standard for the underclassmen and played a pivotal role in maintaining a focused and committed team environment.
Looking Ahead
With a strong core of returning swimmers, the future is bright for Olathe Northwest. Bryan, Ben, Eric, and Connor, among others, will continue to push each other in and out of the pool. The coaching staff is eager to see how this group develops in the coming year.
Offseason Focus
Looking ahead, the team will focus on continued technical development, building endurance, and maintaining the culture of hard work that defined this past season.
 capped off a remarkable season with a 4th place finish in the 50 freestyle and 7th in the 100 freestyle at the state championships—this, despite battling a serious ankle sprain at the start of the year.
Eric Spencer (Freshman) emerged as a promising young talent, placing 11th at state in the 100 backstroke.
Braden Zimmerman (Junior) delivered a standout performance on the boards, placing 5th in state diving.
Spencer Lein (Senior) wrapped up his high school career with a personal best in the 100 fly, finishing 10th in an exceptionally competitive field.
Season Summary
Overall, the season was a great success. It was one of the team's better scoring years at the state level across both individual events and relays. The internal competition during practice, particularly among swimmers vying for relay spots, helped elevate the entire team’s performance.
Development and Growth
Senior Spencer Lein continued to lead with maturity and focus, finishing his career on a high note. Meanwhile, Ben Muller, who only began swimming a year ago, showed incredible improvement thanks to his dedication during the offseason. His rise became one of the most inspiring stories on the team.
Overcoming Adversity
Early challenges—such as Bryan’s ankle injury—were met with determination and focus. Bryan’s resilience set a tone for the rest of the team, demonstrating that setbacks can be overcome with hard work and a strong mindset.
Senior Leadership
This year’s senior class brought discipline, drive, and leadership. They set a high standard for the underclassmen and played a pivotal role in maintaining a focused and committed team environment.
Looking Ahead
With a strong core of returning swimmers, the future is bright for Olathe Northwest. Bryan, Ben, Eric, and Connor, among others, will continue to push each other in and out of the pool. The coaching staff is eager to see how this group develops in the coming year.
Offseason Focus
Looking ahead, the team will focus on continued technical development, building endurance, and maintaining the culture of hard work that defined this past season.)
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