YMCA of Greater Brandywine Athletes Shine at 2025 YMCA Short Course National Championships

Record-Breaking Performances and Unmatched Team Spirit Highlight a Historic Week for Local Swim Teams

Chester County, PA – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is proud to celebrate a remarkable week at the 2025 YMCA Short Course National Championships. Athletes from across Chester County delivered record-breaking performances, demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and brought home national recognition for their branches and community.

While individual results were certainly impressive, what stood out most was the unwavering spirit and support exhibited by YGBW athletes. From early morning starts to late-night finishes, swimmers embraced the experience wholeheartedly—supporting teammates, cheering one another on and living fully in the moment.

“In a time when it’s rare to see teenagers unplug and be fully present, our swimmers rose to the occasion,” said Todd Conrad, Associate Executive Director and Swim Team Coach at the Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY). “What we witnessed was the embodiment of our mantra: Great Swimmers, Better People.”

Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY)
UMLY had a historic showing at the 2025 YMCA Short Course National Championships, finishing 6th in the nation as a combined Men’s and Women’s team. The Women’s team placed 3rd overall, earning the distinction of being the top single-branch women’s team in the country.

The team celebrated numerous podium finishes, broke two long-standing team records—including a 100 Breaststroke mark held since 2002—and proudly sent 54 athletes to Nationals, the largest delegation in UMLY’s 53-year history.

Brandywine/Coatesville and Lionville YMCAs (BCLY)
BCLY celebrated a milestone as Iain O’Toole became the first swimmer from the branch to qualify and compete at Nationals. Iain raced in the 50 Free and broke two team records for boys aged 13–14 in the 50 Free and 100 Back. He also participated in the fun-filled Wild West-themed opening parade with swimmers from across YGBW, making his Nationals debut both memorable and impactful.

Kennett and Jennersville YMCAs (KJAY)
Ten athletes represented KJAY at Nationals, with many achieving personal bests and qualifying for next year’s competition. Annie Rhodes broke KJAY’s open age group records in both the 1000 and 1650 Freestyle events. Teammate Kyle Burk had a standout performance, placing in the Top 16 across all his events and setting four new team records in the 1650 Free (3rd), 1000 Free (5th), 500 Free (12th), and 200 Back (7th).

West Chester Area YMCA (WCAY)
Following a strong showing at Districts, WCAY sent 31 athletes to the PA YMCA State Championships, where they earned five individual state titles and several top-three finishes in relays. Senior Jonah Hilt capped his career with a personal best in the 200 Free at Nationals. Additionally, swimmers Ryan Shupard and Lila Swindler qualified for YMCA Long Course Nationals this summer. The team enters the spring session with 25 new swimmers, positioning WCAY for continued growth and success. “This event was more than a swim meet—it was a life-changing experience for these young athletes,” said Conrad. “The memories made, lessons learned, and bonds formed will stay with these athletes forever. We’re incredibly proud of our swimmers, coaches, and families for making this moment possible.”

YGBW remains committed to developing young athletes through competitive aquatics while instilling lifelong values of teamwork, leadership, and community.

Aquatics at YGBW: https://ymcagbw.org/swim