Short Course Group Championships Recap 2025

Short Course Group Championships Recap

 

From December 12–14, 2025, the California Dolphin Swim Team competed at the Winter Short Course Group Championships. As a team, we demonstrated phenomenal race execution, resilience through cold and rainy conditions, and endurance through long 12-hour days. Most importantly, you showcased the skills, discipline, and growth developed throughout your swim journey.

 

The California Dolphin Swim Team proudly placed 5th overall out of 54 teams.

 

Considering the number of athletes we brought to the meet, this was a strong team performance. As a reminder, a significant portion of championship points comes from relay events. While we did well, the coaching staff recognizes that we could have been more visible in our relay performance. Moving forward, we hope to see greater commitment from our top athletes in planning and participating in team relay events.

 

A sincere thank you to our relay-only athletes who attended warm-ups, participated in team photos, and gave their effort for the benefit of the entire team — your presence and commitment matter.

 

Individual High Point Rankings

        10 & Under Girls

    •    Jacqueline Quo – 5th place, 48 points

        10 & Under Boys

    •    Jozua Sugianto – 16th place

        11-Year-Old Girls

    •    Vanessa Kuo – 1st place, 77 points

    •    Zixin Chen – 9th place, 42 points

    •    Ella Zhu – 15th place, 20 points

        11-Year-Old Boys

    •    Maximus Wang – 13th place, 30 points

    •    Vincent Huang – 35th place, 9 points

        Yekshit Cherakam – 43rd place

    •    12-Year-Old Boys

    •    Justin Huang – 6th place, 51 points

    •    Gautham V. Kumar – 26th place

    •    Jaden Lee – 41st place

        13-Year-Old Girls

    •    Dhiavashree Kesavan – 8th place

    •    Jasmina Horn – 20th place

        13-Year-Old Boys

    •    Chase Yardly – 9th place, 29 points

    •    Matthew Chang – 17th place, 21 points

 

Special Shout-Out Performances

    •    Vanessa Kuo

    •    200 Yard Freestyle – 1:59.23

    •    1650 Yard Freestyle – 17:56.97

    •    400 Yard IM – 4:37.92

Outstanding performances across the board — keep it up!

    •    Gautham V. Kumar

    •    100 Yard Freestyle – 57.92

Great swim and strong racing.

    •    Justin Huang

    •    200 Yard Freestyle – 1:58.40, 3rd place

Excellent execution under pressure.

    •    Benjamin Lee, Matthew Chang, Makai Fernando & Ashur Song

    •    200 Yard Freestyle Relay – 1:31.31, 1st place

Outstanding teamwork and race execution!

 

⸻

 

Despite cold weather, rain, and exhaustion, this was an excellent meet for our team. Keep up the hard work and consistency, Dolphins. Remember — leave your ego at the door. We practice as a team, and we win as a team.

 

When you come to practice, focus on one simple question:

“How do I improve today?”

 

Consistency. Efficiency. Focus.

 

I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next.

 

United we are strongest.

California Dolphins — team victory.

 

Best regards,

Coach Ian 🐬