Reading Y Swim Team Makes History at YMCA National Championships

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County Swim Team returned home from Greensboro, North Carolina with more than medals and records — they returned with a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the opportunity, support, and confidence to thrive.

Competing against some of the top YMCA swimmers in the country during five days of elite national competition, 16 dedicated Reading Y athletes delivered an unforgettable week of performances, achieving 10 best times in time trials and 29 best times in finals.

Beyond the numbers was something even more meaningful: growth, teamwork, resilience, and the pride of representing their community on a national stage.

A Historic Moment for the Reading Y

One of the biggest highlights came when swimmer Owen Eisenhofer captured 1st place in the 200 Free, becoming the Reading Y’s first-ever National Champion.

The very next day, the team celebrated a second National Championship victory in the 800 Free Relay, showcasing the strength, discipline, and camaraderie that define Reading Y Swimming. Relay team members Jack Martin, Charlie Rogers, Greyson DeMariano, and Owen Eisenhofer helped cement the Reading Y’s place among the nation’s best.

Reading Y Swim Team at National Championship 2026

Additional standout performances included:

  • Jack Martin placing in four national events, including 7th in the 200 Free and 10th in the 50 Free
  • Charlie Rogers earning a 12th-place finish in the 200 Free
  • Greyson DeMariano finishing 4th in the 1650 Free
  • Mia Parry placing 15th in the Individual Medley
  • Keagan Eisenhofer placing in both the 200 Breaststroke and 100 Breaststroke
  • Geno Falduts earning top-15 finishes in breaststroke events

The team also secured strong relay finishes, including 2nd place in the 400 Free Relay and 5th in the 200 Medley Relay. 

More Than Swimming

At the YMCA, success is never measured by medals alone. These athletes represent years of early mornings, long practices, encouragement from coaches and families, and a commitment to pushing themselves further than they thought possible. They also represent what the Y works to build every day: belonging, discipline, confidence, and opportunity.

For many swimmers, the pool becomes more than a place to compete. It becomes a second home — a community where young people learn how to overcome challenges, support one another, and discover their potential both in and out of the water. The impact reaches far beyond the lanes.

Building Stronger Futures Through the Y

Programs like competitive swimming at the YMCA help shape future leaders by teaching lifelong skills including teamwork, accountability, perseverance, and self-confidence. Whether a child dreams of competing nationally or simply wants to feel like they belong somewhere, the Y creates opportunities that change lives.

This year’s national championship performances are a celebration not only of athletic achievement, but of the coaches, families, supporters, and community members who help make those opportunities possible. And for the Reading Y Swim Team, the future is only getting brighter.

This is what belonging, discipline, and opportunity look like.