Get ready to dive into the excitement of Arizona's high school swimming and diving scene! The 2025 All-Arizona boys swim/dive team has been unveiled, and the competition was fiercer than ever. But here's where it gets controversial—while the team boasts incredible talent, the selection process for the Athlete of the Year might just spark some heated debates. Let's take a closer look at the standout performers and the man behind one team's record-breaking success.
Updated on December 15, 2025, at 8:37 a.m. MT, the spotlight shines on Brophy Prep's Patrick O'Neill, who was honored as Coach of the Year. In his first year back at the school, O'Neill led the Broncos to a record-setting state championship, securing his 13th state title with the program. The team's achievement is even more remarkable because they set a state record for total points with only one individual state champion, proving that their victory was a true team effort. O'Neill's return to Brophy, after a stint at Mesa Red Mountain, has reignited the program's dominance, and he couldn't be prouder of his young athletes.
And this is the part most people miss—while the overall boys swim/dive Athlete of the Year will be announced in late December, readers have the chance to vote in an online poll for their favorite nominee. The poll, open until December 18 at 5 p.m., is available at azcentral.com/sports. However, it's important to note that the final decision rests with The Arizona Republic's sports staff, not the poll results. So, who will take home the title? That remains to be seen.
Now, let's meet the 2025 All-Arizona boys swim/dive team, comprising eleven swimmers and one diver who dominated the fall season:
- Stephen Argabright (Mesa Red Mountain, Sr.): Finished second in the 200 IM and 500 free at the Division I finals.
- Al Alexandrovich (Goodyear Trivium Prep, Sr.): Claimed Division III state titles in the 200 free and 100 breaststroke.
- Nate Boyd (Paradise Valley, Sr.): Won the Division II 200 free title and placed second in the 100 back.
- Ewan Cain (Goodyear Millennium, Jr.): Secured second place in the 100 backstroke and posted the third-fastest time in the 200 IM across all divisions.
- Porter Ellsworth (Gilbert Campo Verde, Jr.): Swept the 200 IM and 500 free at the Division II meet.
- Ryder Hamann (Scottsdale Chaparral, Jr.): Crowned the Division I state diving champion.
- Austin Hargreaves (Surprise Paradise Honors, Sr.): Took first in the D-III 100-yard freestyle and second in the 50 free.
- Mark Heffern (Phoenix Brophy Prep, Sr.): A repeat state champion, Heffern helped set a state record for most points in the Division I championships, winning the 200 IM and placing second in the 100 butterfly.
- Kadyn Hysong (Phoenix Shadow Mountain, So.): Captured Division III state titles in the 50 and 100 free.
- Grant Kellis (Higley, Jr.): Won the Division I 200 free state title and finished fourth in the 500 free.
- Langston Lindsey (Arizona College Prep, Jr.): The Tennessee commit claimed Division I state titles in the 50-yard and 100 freestyles.
- Gavin Willyerd (Mesa Mountain View, Jr.): Won the Division I state title in the 500 free and placed second in the 200 free.
Honorable mentions include Aiden Custer, Luke Weibel, Alexander Minarich, Felix Lehmann, Wade Olsson, Aydan Pessas, Cole Faut, and Grayson Pudleiner, who all showcased exceptional talent throughout the season.
Coach of the Year, Pat O'Neill, reflected on his team's historic achievement: 'I'm very happy to be back at Brophy. Coach Brubaker left me a very talented team, and I'm grateful to be teaching and coaching in such a wonderful community. Our young team has set a new state record for total points with only one individual state champion, demonstrating the power of teamwork. I couldn't be prouder of these boys.'
As we celebrate these incredible athletes and their coaches, it's worth asking: What makes a truly outstanding team—individual brilliance or collective effort? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going!
