The Westminster Schools 2025 Swimming & Diving Recap: A Season of Speed, Growth, and Unwavering Team Spirit
The 2025 Winter season was a landmark campaign for The Westminster Schools’ Varsity Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving teams. Under the steady leadership of Coach Sharon Loughran, who also serves as the school’s Aquatic Coordinator, the Wildcats showcased exceptional athleticism, deepened their culture of unity, and set a high standard for seasons to come.
From state champions to breakout newcomers, the season was packed with thrilling performances, developmental strides, and a renewed commitment to team excellence—on the blocks and off.
Standout Athletes: Speed That Set the State Standard
No name resonated louder in Georgia’s swimming community this year than Connor Christopherson. The sophomore phenom delivered dominant performances at the state level, winning both the 200-yard freestyle (1:36.45) and the 500-yard freestyle (4:27.11). These times weren’t just good enough to win his classification—they were the fastest across all classifications, making Connor the undisputed fastest swimmer in Georgia.
Another stellar performance came from Max Rodbell, a junior who clinched the state title in the 100 backstroke with a lightning-fast time of 50.27. His technical prowess and racing instinct elevated Westminster’s points tally and inspired his teammates.
Freshman Darrel Xiao also emerged as a force, reaching the finals in his first high school season. Described by Coach Loughran as “a great newcomer,” Darrel’s contributions laid a strong foundation for future seasons.
In diving, senior Trevor Dempsey earned third place in the one-meter event, bringing versatility and scoring power from the boards. His senior leadership and athletic consistency helped round out a robust all-around team.
And one cannot overlook Chase Myers, the junior captain who made remarkable strides throughout the season. His leadership and exponential growth earned high praise, both for his in-water results and his impact on team morale.
Season Highlights: Region Champions & a Team on Fire
For Coach Loughran, one moment in particular stands out as a catalyst: winning the Region Championship meet early in the season.
“That win sparked enthusiasm and a hunger to work hard, especially over the holidays,” she said. The result? Numerous swimmers posted personal bests at season’s end—a reflection of both dedication and effective training.
This early victory not only set the tone for a successful campaign but also reinforced a key value that Coach Loughran consistently champions: “better together.” It became more than a phrase—it became the team’s operating system, driving them through grueling workouts, pressure meets, and holiday training sessions.
Turning Points & Rising Talent
As the season progressed, several athletes stepped into bigger roles. Chase Myers led the way, but he was joined by teammates like Jatin Bottu (Junior), Wyatt Roberts (Sophomore), and Ethan Kittredge (Junior). All made notable progress, proving their ability to contribute not just individually but as part of relay squads and broader team efforts.
While Coach Loughran didn’t specify a single defining meet beyond Regionals, the steady trajectory of the team—from pre-holiday excitement to post-season triumphs—suggests that the defining characteristic of the season wasn’t one moment, but the consistency of improvement.
Facing Adversity: Building Resolve, Not Excuses
Injuries, tough losses, and pressure-packed races are inevitable in a sport as demanding as swimming. But for Westminster, adversity wasn’t an obstacle—it was fuel.
“These situations made them have more resolve,” said Coach Loughran. It’s a simple but powerful reflection of a team that refuses to be rattled. That mental resilience is what turned setbacks into lessons and pressure into performance.
Senior Leadership: Going Out on Top
Though she didn’t list all the senior contributions by name, Coach Loughran acknowledged the intangible impact of her graduating athletes. Senior leaders like Trevor Dempsey brought a stabilizing presence, while their experience helped nurture the underclassmen stepping into varsity roles.
More than just performance, the seniors modeled what it meant to compete with heart and humility. Their influence on team culture—both in their events and during training—will be felt long after they’ve left the pool deck.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Dream and Offseason Vision
If 2025 was a season of excellence, 2026 might be a season of dominance. The excitement is palpable among Westminster’s returning swimmers. They’re not just planning to show up—they want to start training in the fall, months before the season begins, by launching a swim club to continue their progress year-round.
“The excitement to place first next year is real,” said Coach Loughran.
It’s clear that next year’s squad won’t be content to simply match this year’s results—they want to exceed them.
To support that goal, Loughran has her eyes on continuous improvement. The offseason plan includes more than just yardage. She aims to integrate mindfulness training, video analysis, and even GPS data to refine technique and maximize efficiency.
Where to Follow the Wildcats
Swim fans can track Westminster’s stats and swimmer performances on MaxPreps and Swimcloud, two of the top platforms for high school swimming data. For those interested in deeper dives into splits, rankings, and progress, these resources offer a comprehensive look into what makes the Wildcats elite.
Final Thoughts: A Program on the Rise
The Westminster Swimming and Diving teams didn’t just compete in 2025—they made a statement. With standout athletes like Connor Christopherson, Max Rodbell, and Darrel Xiao, alongside emerging stars like Myers, Bottu, Roberts, and Kittredge, the Wildcats have the speed, depth, and culture to contend at the highest level.
Add to that a committed coaching staff led by Sharon Loughran, a forward-thinking approach to athlete development, and a unified team mindset, and it’s clear: Westminster isn’t just building a team. They’re building a dynasty.
The 2025 season was one to remember—but if this year was any indication, the best is yet to come.
 and the 500-yard freestyle (4:27.11). These times weren’t just good enough to win his classification—they were the fastest across all classifications, making Connor the undisputed fastest swimmer in Georgia.
Another stellar performance came from Max Rodbell, a junior who clinched the state title in the 100 backstroke with a lightning-fast time of 50.27. His technical prowess and racing instinct elevated Westminster’s points tally and inspired his teammates.
Freshman Darrel Xiao also emerged as a force, reaching the finals in his first high school season. Described by Coach Loughran as “a great newcomer,” Darrel’s contributions laid a strong foundation for future seasons.
In diving, senior Trevor Dempsey earned third place in the one-meter event, bringing versatility and scoring power from the boards. His senior leadership and athletic consistency helped round out a robust all-around team.
And one cannot overlook Chase Myers, the junior captain who made remarkable strides throughout the season. His leadership and exponential growth earned high praise, both for his in-water results and his impact on team morale.
Season Highlights: Region Champions & a Team on Fire
For Coach Loughran, one moment in particular stands out as a catalyst: winning the Region Championship meet early in the season.
“That win sparked enthusiasm and a hunger to work hard, especially over the holidays,” she said. The result? Numerous swimmers posted personal bests at season’s end—a reflection of both dedication and effective training.
This early victory not only set the tone for a successful campaign but also reinforced a key value that Coach Loughran consistently champions: “better together.” It became more than a phrase—it became the team’s operating system, driving them through grueling workouts, pressure meets, and holiday training sessions.
Turning Points & Rising Talent
As the season progressed, several athletes stepped into bigger roles. Chase Myers led the way, but he was joined by teammates like Jatin Bottu (Junior), Wyatt Roberts (Sophomore), and Ethan Kittredge (Junior). All made notable progress, proving their ability to contribute not just individually but as part of relay squads and broader team efforts.
While Coach Loughran didn’t specify a single defining meet beyond Regionals, the steady trajectory of the team—from pre-holiday excitement to post-season triumphs—suggests that the defining characteristic of the season wasn’t one moment, but the consistency of improvement.
Facing Adversity: Building Resolve, Not Excuses
Injuries, tough losses, and pressure-packed races are inevitable in a sport as demanding as swimming. But for Westminster, adversity wasn’t an obstacle—it was fuel.
“These situations made them have more resolve,” said Coach Loughran. It’s a simple but powerful reflection of a team that refuses to be rattled. That mental resilience is what turned setbacks into lessons and pressure into performance.
Senior Leadership: Going Out on Top
Though she didn’t list all the senior contributions by name, Coach Loughran acknowledged the intangible impact of her graduating athletes. Senior leaders like Trevor Dempsey brought a stabilizing presence, while their experience helped nurture the underclassmen stepping into varsity roles.
More than just performance, the seniors modeled what it meant to compete with heart and humility. Their influence on team culture—both in their events and during training—will be felt long after they’ve left the pool deck.
Looking Ahead: A Championship Dream and Offseason Vision
If 2025 was a season of excellence, 2026 might be a season of dominance. The excitement is palpable among Westminster’s returning swimmers. They’re not just planning to show up—they want to start training in the fall, months before the season begins, by launching a swim club to continue their progress year-round.
“The excitement to place first next year is real,” said Coach Loughran.
It’s clear that next year’s squad won’t be content to simply match this year’s results—they want to exceed them.
To support that goal, Loughran has her eyes on continuous improvement. The offseason plan includes more than just yardage. She aims to integrate mindfulness training, video analysis, and even GPS data to refine technique and maximize efficiency.
Where to Follow the Wildcats
Swim fans can track Westminster’s stats and swimmer performances on MaxPreps and Swimcloud, two of the top platforms for high school swimming data. For those interested in deeper dives into splits, rankings, and progress, these resources offer a comprehensive look into what makes the Wildcats elite.
Final Thoughts: A Program on the Rise
The Westminster Swimming and Diving teams didn’t just compete in 2025—they made a statement. With standout athletes like Connor Christopherson, Max Rodbell, and Darrel Xiao, alongside emerging stars like Myers, Bottu, Roberts, and Kittredge, the Wildcats have the speed, depth, and culture to contend at the highest level.
Add to that a committed coaching staff led by Sharon Loughran, a forward-thinking approach to athlete development, and a unified team mindset, and it’s clear: Westminster isn’t just building a team. They’re building a dynasty.
The 2025 season was one to remember—but if this year was any indication, the best is yet to come.)
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