News Summary
Charlotte has recognized its outstanding swim talent with the announcement of the 2025 All-Observer boys’ and girls’ swim teams. Highlighted by remarkable athletes like Elle Scott and Michael Rice, who broke records and claimed state titles, this season showcased exceptional performances and coaching successes. The community takes pride in celebrating these achievements as they reflect the dedication and hard work of both swimmers and coaches in various events.
Charlotte Celebrates its 2025 All-Observer Swim Champions
The swimming scene in Charlotte is buzzing with excitement following the announcement of the 2025 All-Observer boys’ and girls’ swim teams. This annual recognition shines a spotlight on the outstanding talent representing schools from the NCHSAA and NCISAA throughout Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, and Union counties. As swimmers take a well-deserved bow, the community can’t help but feel proud of these athletes and their remarkable achievements!
Record-Breaker Takes Center Stage
This year, the illustrious title of girls’ swimmer of the year goes to Charlotte Country Day’s own Elle Scott. Scott left a splash during the NCISAA Division I state championships held in Greensboro, where she not only secured state titles in the 200 individual medley (1:56.60) and the 100 breaststroke (58.93) but also made waves by breaking a national record in the preliminary heats for the very same event with an incredible time of 58.56 seconds.
Adding to her accolades, Scott played a pivotal role in her school’s success by contributing to championship titles in the 200 medley relay (1:41.68) and the 400 freestyle relay (3:24.32). With a stellar performance that shattered school records across all four events, she emerged as the most valuable player at the state championships for the second consecutive season. What an impressive accomplishment!
The Boys’ Star Shines Bright
Over on the boys’ side, Michael Rice, a junior from Marvin Ridge, claimed the title of boys’ swimmer of the year after a standout performance at the NCHSAA 4A state championships. Returning home with two state titles in the 100 freestyle and as part of the victorious 400 free relay team, Rice didn’t just swim; he set a new meet record in the 100 freestyle! As a bonus, he also grabbed the title of MVP for the event, showcasing his skills and leadership.
With his sights set on competing at Auburn University, Rice also walked away as the 4A state runner-up in the 50 freestyle and 200 medley relay, helping Marvin Ridge finish third overall in the team rankings at state. Talk about making a mark!
Coaching Brilliance Shines
Meanwhile, the impressive accolades don’t stop at the swimmers. The boys’ coach of the year award has been bestowed upon Stewart Isaacs from Lake Norman Charter. Under his guidance, the Knights made history by clinching their very first 3A state championship, a feat achieved without any individual state champions in sight! They secured a respectable runner-up finish in the 400 free relay, alongside third-place efforts in the 200 free relay, 200 free, and 100 backstroke.
On the girls’ side, the coaching honors were split between Ben Keast of Charlotte Country Day and Ben Sharrer from Myers Park. Keast led his team to a remarkable second consecutive NCISAA Division I state title, winning an astounding seven out of eleven events while setting fifteen school records, six state records, and even a national record. First-time head coach Sharrer, on the other hand, guided the Mustangs to their fourth straight NCHSAA 4A state title, narrowly beating their competitors by just 6.5 points. Hats off to these coaches!
First-Team Highlights
The first-team selections really captured the essence of this incredible season. For the girls, highlights include:
- 50 freestyle: Emma Richardson, Myers Park (23.13, 4A state runner-up)
- 100 freestyle: Joslyn Bolton, Providence (50.25, 4A state runner-up)
- 200 freestyle: Zetta Grace Bartee, Providence Day (1:48.82, NCISAA Division I state champion)
- 500 freestyle: Clarke Neace, Providence Day (4:47.98, NCISAA Division I state champion, breaking her own state record)
- 200 individual medley: Elle Scott, Charlotte Country Day (1:56.60, NCISAA Division I state champion)
- 100 backstroke: Alyssa Claborn, Lake Norman (53.44, 4A state champion)
- Diving: Reagan Lecker, Charlotte Catholic (443.35 points, 4A state champion)
And for the boys, notable achievements include:
- 50 freestyle: Michael Rice, Marvin Ridge (19.93, 4A state runner-up)
- 100 freestyle: Michael Rice (43.56, state champion, 4A state meet-record)
- 200 freestyle: Norvy Clontz, Charlotte Latin (1:36.67, NCISAA Division I state champion, state and school record)
- Diving: Mason Kramer, Charlotte Catholic (455.20 points, 4A state champion, despite breaking his hand)
A Season to Remember
With a fantastic mix of records, team spirit, and swimming prowess, the 2025 All-Observer swim teams have left an indelible mark in Charlotte’s high school sports scene. As the season comes to a close, the community comes together to celebrate these remarkable athletes, coaches, and the thrilling journey they embark on each year in the water. Here’s to the swimmers who go all in both in and out of the pool!
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Additional Resources
- UNCW Sports
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Swimming
- SwimSwam
- Google Search: Charlotte swim champions 2025
- NCAA Video
- Google Scholar: Swim team Charlotte 2025
- SwimSwam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming awards 2025
- ODAC Online
- Google News: Charlotte swim 2025