21 Local Swimmers Qualify for State Games of America
The Smallest Aquatic League of Texas (SALT) and Wake Aquatics are proud to announce that 21 swimmers have earned the opportunity to represent Texas at the 2026 State Games of America in State College, Pennsylvania, home of Penn State University. The biennial event will bring together approximately 12,500 athletes from all 50 states to compete in one of the nation’s premier amateur sporting events.
Qualifying for the State Games of America is no small accomplishment. Swimmers first had to earn their place through the Games of Texas by finishing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in an individual event at either the Games of Texas Summer or Games of Texas Winter championships.
With each Games of Texas championship attracting approximately 550 to 700 of Texas’ top athletes, earning a spot on the podium required exceptional performances against some of the state’s best competition. Every qualifying swim represented months of dedication, early morning practices, and countless hours of hard work in the pool.
What’s even more impressive is that at least 10 of SALT’s qualifying swimmers enter the State Games of America ranked among the top 10 in their respective events. Those rankings place SALT’s athletes in an excellent position as they prepare to compete against the nation’s best, proving that this small Texas league can compete with the strongest programs from across the country.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the limited opportunities SALT swimmers have to train and compete. Under Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) rules, swimmers 12 years old and younger may practice no more than eight hours per week and are not permitted to compete in meets from January through April, with the lone exception being the Games of Texas Winter Championships held in January. Swimmers 13 years old and older are also limited, as they may only compete in meets sanctioned under UIL during the high school season.
Unlike many of the teams they will face, SALT does not have access to an indoor pool. Because of this, most SALT swimmers are only able to practice in the water during the summer months, making their success against yearround programs with indoor facilities even more impressive.
The 2026 State Games of America will mark the first time every SALT swimmer has competed at the national level. It is an incredible milestone for the league and a testament to the dedication of the swimmers, coaches, and families who have worked tirelessly to make this opportunity possible.
Representing SALT at the 2026 State Games of America are coaches Gretchen Ledwik and Sequoya Janacek.
11–12 Girls: Adalyn Emmel, Olivia Kerr, Eleanor Schmidt, and Olive Vasquez.
11–12 Boys: David Collins, Daniel Hromadka, Everett Kubenka, and Tyler Wyatt.
13–14 Girls: Savannah DeMers, Hannah Garza, Lara Hermes, and Kallie Loudon.
13–14 Boys: Braxton Ingram, Harlo Mankin, Stratton Masek, Garrison Ulrich, and Andy Wyatt.
15–16 Girls: Adysen Janacek, Makenna Emmel, CC Bartek, and Lyria Hartley.
“The SALT League is also incredibly thankful for the generous support of Whataburger of La Grange, whose sponsorship provided team shirts for every swimmer and coach attending the State Games of America. Their commitment to supporting local youth athletics has helped make this memorable experience possible for the entire team,” said coaches Ledwik and Janacek in a statement. “The entire SALT League is incredibly proud of these 21 swimmers and wishes them the best of luck as they travel to Pennsylvania to compete against the nation’s finest athletes. Their journey to the State Games of America is a testament to their commitment, perseverance, and passion for the sport of swimming.”