A Tribute to Talent and Tragedy: USA Swimming Honors Grant Freeze at 2025 National Select Camps
USA Swimming has officially released its 2025 National Select Camp rosters and staff list—an announcement that carries both excitement and heartfelt emotion. These annual camps, designed to nurture the country’s most promising young swimmers, are set to take place this October at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The boys’ camp will run from October 9th through 12th, while the girls’ camp follows from October 23rd through 26th.
But this year’s program is about more than just athletic excellence—it’s also about remembrance. The event is being dedicated to Grant Freeze, a talented 16-year-old swimmer and one of the 2025 selectees who passed away tragically in a car accident just last week. Freeze had previously participated in a Zone Select Camp and was highly regarded in the swimming community for his determination and sportsmanship. USA Swimming will honor his memory throughout the camp, recognizing his lasting impact on the sport and the swimmers around him.
Across two weekends, 51 boys and 52 girls will experience a schedule crafted to reflect what life is like for members of the U.S. National Team. The camp’s curriculum goes beyond physical training—participants will engage in sessions covering race strategy, mental resilience, recovery techniques, nutrition, and anti-doping education. Safe Sport principles and psychology-based skill-building will also be key parts of the program, ensuring swimmers grow not only as athletes but as balanced individuals.
The Southern Zone stands out this year, sending 42 swimmers—five more than last year—making it the most represented region. Following closely are the Central Zone with 25 athletes, the Eastern Zone with 23, and the Western Zone with 14. Among individual teams, SwimMAC Carolina tops the list with six swimmers, while the Long Island Aquatic Club claims three. An additional 13 clubs share the distinction of sending two representatives each, including the Dads Club, TAC Titans, and Irvine Novaquatics. At the state level, North Carolina Swimming leads all Local Swimming Committees (LSCs) with 11 athletes earning roster spots.
Selections were determined using performances recorded between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. USA Swimming outlined three major criteria for qualification:
- The top three long course meter (LCM) swimmers in each event nationwide.
- The six male and six female athletes with the highest IMX Power Point totals during the evaluation period.
- The top two 17-and-under finishers in the 7.5K event and the top two available finishers in the 5K from the 2025 Open Water Junior Nationals.
In addition to top performances, many swimmers were selected based on consistency, improvement, and leadership qualities—traits that USA Swimming values deeply when developing future national team members.
Girls’ Camp Highlights
The girls’ roster features standout athletes across freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley events. Notable swimmers include Millie Knudson (25.97 in the 50-meter freestyle), Jane Chevalier (8:50.66 in the 800-meter freestyle), and Emma Grace Richardson (59.64 in the 100-meter butterfly). The list also includes open water specialists like Lauren Canty and Liv Fleshman, both recognized for their endurance and mental toughness in long-distance competition.
Coaching the girls’ team will be an accomplished lineup led by Emmanuel Lanzo of Ridgefield Aquatic Club as head coach. He’ll be supported by assistants Alexis Keto, Emily Melina, Mike Chasson, and Chris Morgan, along with team managers Jessica Meyer and Mikaela Bagley.
Boys’ Camp Highlights
The boys’ camp boasts equally impressive talent, with swimmers like Julian Granison (22.78 in the 50-meter freestyle) and Thomas McMillan (55.99 in the 100-meter backstroke) leading their respective events. Notably, Grant Freeze, who would have competed in the 800-meter freestyle (8:17.48), remains an emotional centerpiece of this year’s program—his name appearing on the roster as a lasting tribute.
Joining them are athletes such as Hayden Vicknair (53.62 in the 100-meter butterfly) and Eli Sweet (4:24.99 in the 400-meter individual medley), representing a new generation of elite American swimmers. Open water competitors like Joey Eaddy and Jake MacPhail will also train under the camp’s specialized endurance sessions.
The boys’ camp will be guided by Todd Capen of Academy Bullets Swim Club as head coach, supported by Billy Doughty, Alyson Hannan, Sean Quinn, and Derek Young. Team managers Jennifer Gibson and Kerry Carleton will oversee logistics and athlete support.
The Purpose Behind the Camp
Each year, the National Select Camp aims to bridge the gap between promising youth performance and future elite-level competition. Beyond the thrill of training at a world-class facility, these swimmers gain insight into what it takes to represent the U.S. on the international stage—both physically and mentally.
But this year’s dedication to Grant Freeze gives the event a different tone—a poignant reminder of how sport can bring people together not just in victory, but in remembrance. USA Swimming has emphasized that this camp will celebrate young athletes’ passion and perseverance, qualities Grant exemplified.
Here’s where it gets emotional and inspiring: Freeze’s legacy isn’t only in his times or titles—it’s in how his spirit continues to inspire his peers. Many fellow athletes have spoken about his kindness, discipline, and energy, which makes the camp’s dedication all the more meaningful.
So, as these 103 young athletes head to Colorado Springs to learn, compete, and grow, one can’t help but wonder: Is this next generation ready to carry the torch of American swimming forward? And how might moments like these—celebrating both triumph and tragedy—shape the values of our future champions?
We’d love to hear your thoughts: Should more athletic organizations dedicate events to honor athletes gone too soon? Or do you think this year’s tribute sets a powerful example for the sports world to follow?
