Key Takeaways
- 120 swimmers will attend two four‑day Zone Select Camps in June 2026.
- Each camp hosts 60 athletes from paired zones (Western/Central and Southern/Eastern).
- Selection relies on 2025 long‑course performances and wild‑card rankings.
- Camps blend pool work, facilitations, and presentations to launch athletes’ Team USA journey.
- Home‑coach program offers coaching staff housing, meals, and educational sessions.
- Staff details for both camps are listed, including head coaches, assistants, and managers.
Camp Overview
USA Swimming announced that 120 athletes have been selected for the 2026 Zone Select Camps, a short‑term training series designed to introduce rising talent to the expectations and values of Team USA. The participants hail from 84 clubs across the country and will be evenly divided between two separate camps, each lasting four days and accommodating exactly 60 swimmers. This initiative marks the first formal step in immersing young athletes in the culture and standards of U.S. national swimming.
Camp Dates and Locations
The inaugural camp will take place at the University of Nevada‑Las Vegas from June 4‑7, 2026, drawing athletes from the Western and Central zones. A second camp will be held at the University of Maryland‑Baltimore County from June 11‑14, 2026, featuring participants from the Eastern and Southern zones. Both sites were chosen for their collegiate aquatic facilities and capacity to support the athletes and coaching staff in a university environment.
Selection Criteria
Swimmers earned their spots based on performances from the 2025 long‑course season recorded in the SWIMS database. Within each zone, the fastest athletes in every Olympic‑event distance received automatic placement, while a limited number of wildcard entries were granted via an individual rank‑score system. This methodology ensures that the camps showcase the top available female swimmers aged 12‑13 and male swimmers aged 13‑14, measured by meters‑based times.
Camp Structure and Programming
Each camp blends intensive in‑water practice with a curriculum of facilitated workshops led by USA Swimming National Office staff. Over the four‑day schedule, participants will complete four coached workouts, attend guided discussions on goal‑setting and sportsmanship, and listen to guest speakers from elite athletic backgrounds. The program emphasizes personal responsibility, sustained motivation, and the development of a clear swimming pathway beyond the camp experience.
Coach Engagement and Home‑Coach Track
Coaches who guided qualifying athletes are invited to attend the same camp, where USA Swimming provides lodging, meals, and local transportation. These “home coaches” follow a parallel educational track focused on coaching best practices, peer networking, and direct interaction with national staff. In addition, limited openings are available for an interactive coach clinic that runs concurrently at each location, allowing coaches nationwide to learn from one another.
Camp Staff Rosters
The staff assignments for each camp have been published. For the Western/Central camp, Tara Bolivar serves as head coach, supported by Amy Killpatrick, Devin Murphy, Christine Haslem, and Kevin Viliunas. Head manager Kerry Carleton and assistant manager Joselyn Banks oversee logistical coordination. The Southern/Eastern camp will be led by Kyle Margheim, with assistant coaches Asher Phipps, Lauren Waterworth, Stephen Henderson, and Sarah Welter, and managerial support from Mikaela Bagley (head manager) and Evan Steffy (assistant manager).
Long‑Term Implications for Swimmers
Beyond immediate training, the camps serve as a foundational experience in each athlete’s pathway toward national team consideration. By exposing swimmers to standardized coaching perspectives, high‑performance standards, and a community of like‑minded peers, USA Swimming aims to instill a sense of ownership over their development. The organization frames the camps as the “first step” in a longer journey that includes future meets, additional training camps, and ultimately, international competition.
Opportunities for Further Involvement
USA Swimming encourages families, clubs, and athletes to monitor the official roster and stay informed about programs that build on the Zone Select experience. Detailed information regarding selection procedures, coach clinic admission, and camp logistics is available through links provided by the governing body. Prospective participants are advised to review eligibility requirements and prepare for potential future qualifying cycles.