On November 9-10, 2024, the UCF Knights Swim Club took center stage at the 2024 College Club Swimming Southern Regional Championship, hosted by FSU Club Swimming. Swimmers from across the region arrived ready to compete, and the Knights showcased incredible skill and determination. Despite competing with a moderate-sized roster, UCF secured an impressive third-place finish, trailing only the Florida Swim Club (UF) and FSU Club Swim. Their hard work and dedication paid off, delivering standout performances throughout the championship weekend.
Day One Recap: Strong Starts and Key Podium Finishes
Saturday, November 9, 2024, began excitedly as the UCF Knights made a strong statement in their opening events. Ashley Sterchele immediately set the tone by securing gold in the Women’s 200-yard Butterfly, showcasing her technical prowess and endurance. Later in the day, she earned a bronze in the Women’s 200-yard Freestyle, further solidifying her status as one of the team’s top contributors. On the men’s side, Sebastian Trujillo earned double podium finishes with bronze medals in the Men’s 200-yard Individual Medley and the 100-yard Breaststroke, displaying both versatility and consistency.
The team’s depth was evident as 39 swimmers qualified for finals, representing UCF across various events. This collective effort highlighted the Knights’ ability to perform well under pressure, with multiple swimmers contributing crucial points to the team total. The camaraderie and energy from the Knights were palpable, setting them apart as a close-knit and competitive team.
By the end of the day, both the men’s and women’s squads had achieved strong rankings, with the team’s combined score of 269 points placing them fifth overall. The day concluded with a sense of momentum as the Knights anticipated even more significant results on day two. Coach Angeline De Jesus praised the team’s focus and determination, encouraging them to carry the same energy into Sunday’s events.
The first day wasn’t just about individual accomplishments but also about laying the foundation for a strong team performance. The Knights’ balanced mix of standout swimmers and overall team depth positioned them well to climb the standings heading into the second day of competition.
Day Two Recap: A Rally and Podium Push
On Sunday, November 10, 2024, the Knights returned to the pool with renewed energy and a determination to climb the leaderboard. The day began with a bang as 51 UCF swimmers qualified for finals, a significant increase from day one and a testament to the team’s depth and competitive spirit. This wave of momentum would prove critical as the day unfolded.
Ashley Sterchele continued her incredible performance, earning silver in the Women’s 50-yard Backstroke to cap off her weekend of podium finishes. Meanwhile, the Men’s 400-yard Individual Medley provided one of the most exciting moments of the day, with Sebastian Trujillo taking gold and Brandon Christensen finishing silver, marking a dominant one-two finish for UCF. Their performances added critical points and ignited excitement and confidence across the team.
The highlight of the relays was the women’s 400-yard Medley Relay, in which Grace Hanson, Ashley Sterchele, Kaitlyn Aust, and Brianna Estrada captured bronze in a thrilling race. Though smaller in number, the relay teams demonstrated excellent teamwork and determination, bringing the crowd to its feet and further solidifying UCF’s presence at the meet.
By the end of the competition, the Knights had amassed a combined total of 569 points, narrowly edging out UGA Club Swimming by a mere four points to secure third place overall. This dramatic finish underscored the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, a reflection of the hard work and leadership provided by Coach De Jesus throughout the season.
Looking Ahead: Nationals in Arizona
With their standout performances at regionals, several UCF swimmers have punched their ticket to the 2025 College Club Swimming (CCS) National Championship, scheduled for March 28-30 at Arizona State University in Mesa, Arizona. Nationals will provide an opportunity for the Knights to compete on a national stage, bringing their competitive spirit and skill to swimmers from across the country. Here’s a closer look at your national qualifiers and the swimmers who proudly represented UCF in the finals at regionals:
Women’s National Qualifiers: Ashley Sterchele, Nicole Majewski, Grace Hanson, and Madison DeOrsey.
Women’s Regional Finalists: Teagan Youngquist, Nicole Majewski, Kaitlyn Aust, Brianna Estrada, Ella Scanlon, Ashley Sterchele, Regina Martin, Grace Hanson, Madison DeOrsey, Hanna Castaneda, Olivia White, Lauren Walterson, Hannah Mattiza, Auria Garcia, Allison Roach, Sophia Lunday, Olivia Szylkowski, Carly Meinke, Kyriaki Lagoutaris, Kaitlyn Karl, and Olivia Watt.
Men’s National Qualifiers: Brandon Christensen, Cole Jordan, Colin Nealy, Sebastian Trujillo, Juan Colmenares, and David Chimidkhorloo.
Men’s Regional Finalists: Teagan Peck, Brandon Christensen, Colin Nealy, Sebastian Trujillo, Cole Jordan, Juan Colmenares, Josue Paiz, Christien Flores, Patrick Grace, Omar Mohammed, Joshua Guo, Kevin Sem, Cesar Cuba, Matthew Waggy, Brandon Cominsky, Connor Riggs, Gianfranco Gutierrez, Ederne Chimidkhorloo, Robert Grace, and David Chimidkhorloo.
As they prepare for the 2025 CCS National Championship in Arizona, the Knights have proven that they belong among the best in collegiate club swimming. With momentum on their side and a strong foundation built at regionals, the Knights are poised for even greater achievements ahead. Go Knights, Charge On!
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