April 3, 2025
The YMCA of Rock River Valley celebrates a successful Stingrays swim team season and looks forward to giving new athletes a glimpse into the program at the upcoming Rookie Week. This winter season was marked by incredible achievements, personal growth, and many earned victories – a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of both our swimmers and coaches.
2025 Illinois YMCA State Championships: 59 Stingrays swimmers qualified for the YMCA state meet that took place March 14-16. The Stingrays put forth an impressive performance, bringing home 85 medals, 11 of them earned in the top three places. In addition, 42% of the swims resulted in personal best times, showcasing their growth and improvement throughout the season.
Boys NIC-10 Swimming: Bo Shields, a Stingrays swimmer, earned the prestigious title of NIC-10 Boys MVP. Additionally, 10 swimmers who made the NIC-10 conference First Team were also part of the Stingrays team, demonstrating the talent and competitive spirit of the program.
National Club Swimming Association Age Group Championships: Further elevating the team on a national level, Nadia Vilic and Parker Welt represented the Stingrays in Orlando, FL, a first for the team. There were nearly 1,000 swimmers at the event. Parker made it to finals in his 100 butterfly, clenching 23rd in the Nation for 12 & Under Boys! He placed 41st in the 50 backstroke, 40th in the 100 freestyle, 45th in the 200 freestyle, 44th in the 50 butterfly, and 46th in the 50 freestyle. Nadia placed 47th in the 50 breaststroke, 70th in the 100 breaststroke, 83rd in the 200 breaststroke, 140th in the 50 butterfly, 177th in the 100 freestyle, and 191st in the 50 freestyle for the 13 – 14 Girls age bracket.
“We are incredibly proud of our Stingrays and their achievements this season,” said Rachel Rushing, YMCA of Rock River Valley Competitive Aquatics Head Swim Coach. “Each swimmer has shown remarkable growth, not only in terms of performance but also in their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These young athletes exemplify the core values of the YMCA, and their success is a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of their families and our coaching staff.”
Click here for more information on the YMCA Stingrays swim team.
