News Summary

The Columbia Men’s Swimming and Diving Team is thrilled to announce their new roster for the 2025 season, showcasing a talented group of freshmen ready to take the competition by storm. From exceptional swimmers with impressive records to divers with championship accolades, this group brings a mix of academic achievement and varied interests that promises to create a strong team dynamic. With athletes from diverse backgrounds, the enthusiasm for the upcoming season is palpable among fans and teammates alike.

Columbia’s Men’s Swimming and Diving Team Welcomes Fresh Faces for an Exciting 2025 Season

New York City is buzzing with excitement as the Columbia Men’s Swimming and Diving Team has officially introduced an impressive lineup of fresh talent for the upcoming 2025 season! With a collection of skilled freshmen who are ready to make waves, fans can’t wait to see what this talented group will bring to the pool.

Meet the Squad

First up is Kevin Kong, a 6’1″ powerhouse hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. This freshman is specializing in backstroke and sprint freestyle. Kevin has quite the list of achievements under his belt! He snagged a bronze medal at the Canadian age group nationals in the 100m backstroke and has made waves at the World Championship Trials. Beyond the pool, he’s a whiz in academics, scoring full marks on the AP microeconomics exam. When he’s not swimming, Kevin enjoys cars, movies, and intense gaming sessions of Brawl Stars and Clash Royale.

Next on the roster, we have Ethan Zhang, who stands tall at 6’2″ and specializes in freestyle events. Hailing from Carmel, Indiana, Ethan has a sterling academic record as a scholar athlete throughout his high school career. He trained alongside an Olympian and has multiple accolades, including being named a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American. Ethan is not just about swimming though; he’s got a knack for pickleball and fishing to unwind!

Butterfly and Beyond

Brian Lee, a 5’10” freshman from Quebec, Canada, brings a splash of flair with his butterfly expertise. Already a top 10 swimmer in New England, Brian also speaks four languages! His free time is filled with a diverse range of hobbies such as tennis, water polo, and reading. Brian’s memory of hitting a 1:47 time in the 200-yard butterfly will surely motivate his swim team this season.

Nathan Jacobbe, another stellar addition standing at 5’10”, takes on IM, fly, and freestyle events. Coming from Allen, Texas, Nathan has been earning recognition as a Scholastic All-American three times and has even made it to the Winter Junior Nationals as a finalist! When not in the water, you may find him strategizing in poker or enjoying a hike!

From China to Columbia

Another rising star is Bingxiang Qin, a 6’0″ swimmer specializing in breaststroke and freestyle, who hails from Liaoning, China. Apart from his impressive swimming skills, Bingxiang made waves academically by being an National Honor Society member and has also organized a successful Chinese New Year gala at his high school. His passions include painting and playing piano, showcasing a well-rounded individual.

The team also welcomes Derek Hitchens, a 5’10” free and backstroke swimmer from Irvine, California. With an incredible 14 Scholastic All-American awards, Derek is no stranger to achievement. His favorite sports moment involves leading his high school team to a victory at the California State Championships. Derek balances his swimming with hobbies like basketball and exploring anime.

Introducing the Divers

Switching gears to diving, Mackenzie Lu, a 5’4″ talent from Victoria, British Columbia, shines as a national top 10 finalist and provincial champion who has engaged in international competitions. An academic achiever, Mackenzie is deeply involved in charity events where she shares her skills and passions, which also includes solving Rubik’s Cubes!

Completing the diving lineup is Derek Hong, a 5’6″ diver from Tenafly, New Jersey. With multiple state titles to his name, Derek has pursued diving for six years and also enjoys his time playing violin and spending time with friends. His journey through diving promises to add a dynamic twist to the team.

What’s Ahead

With such a promising freshmen roster, the Columbia Men’s Swimming and Diving Team is set for an exhilarating season. The blend of competitive spirit, academic excellence, and diverse interests among these young athletes isn’t just about records; it showcases a formidable camaraderie that will make this season one to remember!

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