The 2026 Arizona high school boys' and girls' swimming and diving season is set to begin on Thursday, September 3, with dual meets taking place across the state. In anticipation of the competition, The Arizona Republic has highlighted the top boys' swimmers and divers who are expected to make significant waves this season. Fans are encouraged to participate in a poll to vote for their favorite athlete, with the poll closing at 6 p.m. on September 10.
Leading the list is Langston Lindsey from Arizona College Prep, a senior who was named The Arizona Republic's Swimmer of the Year last season. Lindsey holds an impressive eight school records and is known for his versatility, excelling in events such as the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle, as well as the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly. He is a two-time state champion in the 50 free and 100 back, making him a formidable competitor this season.
Following closely behind is Porter Ellsworth from Campo Verde, also a senior, who has committed to Arizona State University. Ellsworth was the Division II state champion in both the 500 free and the 200 individual medley last season, with a standout time of 4 minutes, 33.48 seconds in the 500 free. He further improved his performance at the Speedo Winter Junior Championships West, clocking in at 4 minutes, 28.73 seconds, and won the 200 IM with a time of 1:51.78.
Gavin Willyerd, a junior from Mesa Mountain View, earned his spot at number three after winning a closely contested 500-yard freestyle race at last fall's Division I state championships. Recognized as one of the best distance swimmers in the western United States, Willyerd also finished second in the 200 free at the state competition last year.
At number four is Patrick Dunn from Brophy Prep, another senior who has shown his prowess as a distance swimmer. Dunn won the Division I championship in the 500 free as a sophomore and aims to reclaim his top position after finishing fourth in the 200 free and third in the 500 free last season. He has committed to Dartmouth for his collegiate career.
James Michael Hess from Vail Cienega, a junior, is ranked fifth. He is the defending Division II state champion in the 100 butterfly and is known for his hard work and determination in the pool, which has made him a strong contender in major meets.
Ryder Hamann from Chaparral, a senior, is recognized as a leading 1-meter diver, having captured the Division I title last season. Collin Evans from ALA Gilbert North, also a senior, is the defending Division III state champion in 1-meter diving and will be looking to defend his title this year.
Christian Beltran, a sophomore from ALA Gilbert North, ranked eighth, finished third in Division III in both the 500 free and the 100 back. He has shown significant improvement in his times since last season, positioning him as a contender for state titles in multiple events.
At number nine is Ewan Cain from Millennium, a senior who is celebrated for his versatility and potential to win state titles in the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke. Finally, Kayden Hysong from Shadow Mountain, a junior and state-record holder in pole vaulting, rounds out the top ten as one of the state's top sprinters in swimming, particularly in the 50 and 100 free events.
As the season unfolds, these athletes will be ones to watch, and fans are eager to see who will emerge as the top swimmer or diver of the year. Be sure to cast your vote in the poll to support your favorite athlete before it closes on September 10.
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