Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rats Shine at Prestigious Spring Championships

The Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat Swim Team proudly represented their community on the national and regional stage during two of the most competitive meets of the short course season: the 2025 YMCA National Short Course Championships held March 31–April 4 in Greensboro, NC, and the 2025 Eastern Zone Short Course Age Group Championships held April 2–5 in Webster, NY.

YMCA National Short Course Championships

Nine Water Rats qualified for this elite national meet at the Greensboro Aquatic Center:

Emma Giafardino, Ella Gussen, Maegan Grisanti, Dani Schwartz, Adrianna Spelman, Lillian White-Charles, Michael Ivanov, Raunak Subedi, and Lillian White-Charles.

Podium finishes (Top 16):

  • Ella Gussen: 12th in 200 Backstroke, 9th in 400 IM, 14th in 200 IM

  • Relay Team of Maegan Grisanti, Emma Giafardino, Ella Gussen, and Adrianna Spelman: 8th in the 800 Freestyle Relay, 13th in the 400 Medley Relay

Notably, Ella Gussen set a new Water Rat team record in the 400 Individual Medley, finishing in 4:23.33—breaking a record previously held by Emily Fenn since 2000.

Eastern Zone SC Age Group Championships

Seven Water Rats made their mark at the Webster Aquatic Center in New York:
Aria Decembre, Jack Drummey, Grant Ferrari, Miles Pearson, Elizabeth Akolzina, Noelle Ivanovich, and Jordan Benaderet.

Podium finishes (Top 8):

  • Grant Ferrari: 2nd in 200 Backstroke, 7th in 50 Backstroke, 3rd in 100 Backstroke

  • Miles Pearson: 1st in 50 and 200 Breaststroke, 2nd in 200 IM and 200 Freestyle, 2nd in 100 Breaststroke, and 5th in 500 Freestyle

Miles Pearson also broke his own Water Rat team records in both the 100 and 200 Breaststroke, continuing to elevate the standard of excellence in the pool.

About the Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rats

The Water Rat Swim Team is a nationally recognized competitive swim program committed to helping athletes develop both in and out of the pool. Through discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the program empowers youth to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of swimming.

For more information, visit westporty.org/wrat.