State Champions Crowned in Girls Swimming & Diving
INDIANAPOLIS - The 52nd Annual IHSAA Girls Swimming & Diving State Finals showcased the pinnacle of aquatic excellence, with Carmel emerging as the top team, securing their 40th consecutive championship. But it was Catie Brenneman of Concord High School who stole the spotlight, earning the prestigious Mental Attitude Award.
Catie Brenneman, a senior with a stellar academic record, placed fourth in her class and is a National Honors Society member. Her swimming prowess is evident through her USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and NISCA All-American status, as well as her four-year All-Conference selection in the Northern Lakes Conference. This year, she qualified in the 100 and 200 freestyle events and contributed to Concord's 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams.
Brenneman's achievements extend beyond the pool. As a 10-year 4-H club member, she has been a dedicated volunteer, assisting with younger members and the annual Elkhart County Fair. She also volunteers with the Concord Swim Club and Concord Junior High Swim Team as a timer. Her dedication to community service and academic excellence has earned her the respect of her peers and coaches.
The Mental Attitude Award, presented by the IHSAA Executive Committee, recognizes a senior who demonstrates exceptional mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability. Brenneman's achievements in the pool, coupled with her commitment to her school and community, made her a worthy recipient. She becomes the second girls swimmer from Concord to earn this honor, following her sister, Grace Brenneman, who received the award in 2022.
The 52nd Annual IHSAA Girls Swimming & Diving State Finals saw Carmel claim the top spot with 326.5 points, followed by Fishers and Carroll (Fort Wayne) with 227 points each. The event was held at the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis on February 13-14, 2026.
The state champions were:
- 200 Medley Relay: Carmel (Leah Debosch, Molly Sweeney, Ellie Clarke, Sophia Floyd) 1:40.90
- 200 Freestyle: Emily Wolf (Fishers) 1:45.84
- 200 Individual Medley: Ellie Clarke (Carmel) 1:57.73
- 50 Freestyle: Maris Williams (Carroll [Fort Wayne]) 22.86
- One Meter Diving: Adelyn Flessner (North Central [Indianapolis]) 529.30
- 100 Butterfly: Molly Sweeney (Carmel) 52.78
- 100 Freestyle: Kate Fetters (Carroll [Fort Wayne]) 49.52
- 500 Freestyle: Emily Wolf (Fishers) 4:43.25
- 200 Freestyle Relay: Carroll (Fort Wayne) (Kate Fetters, Maris Williams, Jordyn Glassley, Naomi Bowland) 1:32.63
- 100 Backstroke: Ellie Clarke (Carmel) 53.08
- 100 Breaststroke: Molly Sweeney (Carmel) 59.24
- 400 Freestyle Relay: Carroll (Fort Wayne) (Jordyn Glassley, Kate Fetters, Naomi Bowland, Maris Williams) 3:21.30
The event celebrated the talent and dedication of these young athletes, showcasing the future of girls swimming and diving in Indiana.
