News Summary

Connor McAleer, a senior at Pacific High School, has been named IE Varsity Boys Swimmer of the Year for 2025. With only four years of competitive swimming experience, he quickly excelled, specializing in the butterfly stroke and making a significant mark at the CIF State Championships. His impressive performance has made him a top contender and an inspiring figure in the swimming community, and he is looking forward to his future at California Baptist University despite potential challenges with NCAA roster limits.

San Bernardino Student Swimmer Connor McAleer Takes the Lanes by Storm

Big news is making waves in San Bernardino as Connor McAleer, a senior at Pacific High School, has been named IE Varsity Boys Swimmer of the Year for the 2025 season. This young athlete has been training hard, and his incredible dedication to the sport of swimming is truly paying off.

From Novice to Champion

Believe it or not, Connor only started swimming competitively four years ago. Initially, he had his sights set on distance freestyle events. But by the time he hit his sophomore year, it was clear that he had a knack for a different stroke—the butterfly. Switching gears proved to be an excellent decision, as he quickly made a name for himself in the sport. He not only competed but thrived, snagging two CIF Southern Section Division 4 titles!

Over the last couple of seasons, Connor has soared to become one of the top butterfly swimmers in all of California. His impressive skills culminated this year when he clocked in with the sixth-fastest 100-yard butterfly time at the section finals. The clock doesn’t lie, and Connor’s time speaks volumes about his growth as an athlete.

A Standout Performance at the CIF State Meet

This year’s CIF State meet was a vibrant showcase of talent, and Connor was undeniably in his element. After a fierce competition, he secured a tenth-place finish overall, marking yet another milestone in his swimming journey. His time in the 100-yard butterfly has dramatically improved, going from 51.61 seconds in his sophomore year down to an impressive 49.01 seconds at the CIF State Championships.

Spectators were on the edge of their seats as Connor emerged victorious in the consolation race at the CIF State Championships, leaving his competitors in the wake of his powerful strokes. The question on everyone’s lips now is whether his excellent time will earn him the prestigious All-American status.

The Coach’s Take

His coach, Christian Espinoza, isn’t surprised by Connor’s success. Coach Espinoza attributes this young swimmer’s rise to his exceptional physical capabilities and mental toughness, which are essential traits for anyone looking to excel in the butterfly stroke. Connor’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing, however. Before finding his rhythm in swimming, he was a water polo player and faced challenges during his freshman year.

It wasn’t until that pivotal summer between his freshman and sophomore years that he truly began to “lock into” the butterfly stroke. This breakthrough moment set the stage for his remarkable transformation into a top contender.

Leading the Charge

Over the past two years, Connor made waves at the CIF Southern Section finals, finishing second each time while swimming faster than the existing Division 4 record. His leadership wasn’t limited to just his own swimming achievements; Connor has helped propel Pacific’s aquatics program to new heights, contributing to an impressive three consecutive league titles.

What’s Next for Connor?

Looking ahead, Connor has plans to attend California Baptist University after graduation. However, there’s a slight cloud on the horizon regarding his swimming future due to NCAA roster limits. He’s open to exploring redshirting options that could allow him to continue his swimming pursuits at the collegiate level. With his talent and determination, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see exciting things from this young athlete in the years to come!

In summary, Connor McAleer’s achievements in the pool this season are nothing short of amazing. His hard work, relentless attitude, and ability to bounce back from setbacks serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike. San Bernardino should be proud of this magnificent swimmer and the bright future that lies ahead of him!

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