Southlake Carroll Swim & Dive Delivers Podium Performances at UIL 6A State Championships

The Southlake Carroll Dragon Swim & Dive teams capped the 2025-26 season with an exceptional showing at the Texas UIL 6A State Swim/Dive Championships, held in Austin at the University of Texas Swim Center. Fueled by teamwork, consistency, and a deeply rooted team culture, the Dragons earned podium finishes, state medals, and multiple All-American honors on Texas’ biggest stage.

After finishing 12th at state in 2025, the Dragon men made one of the meet’s biggest jumps, rallying to a third-place podium finish in the final team standings with 121 points. Head boys coach Kevin Murphy credited the program’s daily commitment and structure for the breakthrough. “In our most successful high school programming, our kids have been at practice every single morning,” Murphy said. “We believe in good, solid, morning practices for our high school boys every single school day.”

The turning point of the meet came in the 400 freestyle relay, where an outstanding display of team swimming propelled the Dragons from sixth place entering the race to third overall in the final standings. Their second-place finish in the event secured the bronze medal for the team. Reflecting on the jump from the previous season, Murphy said, “I was so very proud. We were young last year and finished at 12th, so to make it to third place this year was very exciting. It was a huge accomplishment for them.”

Relay events anchored the men’s success throughout the meet. The 400 freestyle relay touched second in 3:03.12, earning automatic NISCA All-American honors. The 200 freestyle relay followed with a fourth-place finish in 1:23.79, also earning automatic All-American status, while the 200 medley relay posted a season-best time of 1:35.17.

Individually, Dylan Heldenbrand recorded two top-eight finishes, placing eighth in both the 50 freestyle (20.91) and the 100 freestyle (45.65). Kobe Dickheiser delivered a personal best in the 200 freestyle and added another PR in the 500 freestyle. Jack Ma placed fourth in diving with a score of 502.50, earning NISCA All-American consideration. Senior leaders William Zhang, Finn McAteer, and Colin Heintz, along with key contributions from juniors Ethan Jetty and sophomore Pierce Chapman, helped power the team’s climb to the podium.

Murphy emphasized that the results were driven by character as much as talent. “It’s a really excellent group of boys - hard workers, loyal, high character, dependable, committed, and they love each other,” he said. “When they swim, they don’t just swim for themselves, they swim for each other.”

The Lady Dragons were equally impressive in Austin, finishing fourth in the overall team standings, just off the podium. Head girls coach Justin Pudwill credited the culture within the program for the team’s success throughout the season. “I think the overall culture and atmosphere of the girls program was what dictated the support and success of the program overall,” Pudwill said. “The girls had a really good time competing this year, and in most circumstances, that proves to be a pretty powerful recipe for doing well.”

The girls collected a bronze medal in the 400 freestyle relay with a third-place finish in 3:26.99 and earned NISCA All-American automatic times in all three relay events. The 200 medley relay clocked a 1:44.05 in prelims, while the 200 freestyle relay placed fifth in 1:35.41. Pudwill noted that consistency across the meet stood out most. “The best thing about our whole meet was that every swim we had was a season best swim,” he said. “I don’t think any coach could ask for anything better.”

One of the meet’s early highlights came in diving, where sophomore Bella Sanouvong captured gold in the 1-meter diving competition with a winning score of 465.60. Her performance marked the first gold medal of the day at the UIL State Swim & Dive Championships and earned NISCA All-American consideration.

Olivia Colombo added a silver medal to the Dragons’ tally, finishing second in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 54.52 to earn automatic NISCA All-American honors. Pudwill highlighted the significance of her performance, noting that Colombo rebroke her own school record in the event as part of a meet filled with standout swims. Emma Bibza placed fifth in the 100 butterfly, while Taryn Plows finished 12th in the 100 backstroke, contributing valuable points to the team total.

Looking ahead, Murphy is confident the momentum will continue. “We have a good batch of seniors, but we have a very strong underclass and we think they’re going to perform very well this next year,” he said. “We also have some good divers returning next year.”

Murphy, who has coached at Southlake Carroll for 21 years, reflected on the long-term vision that has shaped the program. “I’ve been blessed to get to coach here for 21 years. A lot of those years, it was like a promised land for me as a coach,” he said. “Club swimming contributes to the success that we’ve had, it’s very important, but we’ve built some vision and goals for our kids in high school swimming. High school swimming is very exciting. It’s something they can bond about, and the team aspect is very exciting. To be here at Southlake Carroll, I was told when I came here, ‘This is Southlake Carroll, and we expect to win.’ That’s the rainbow we’ve been chasing. To jump from a 12th place finish last year to now third, that’s a huge leap in that direction”

Pudwill echoed that sentiment when reflecting on the expectations that define the program. “It’s quite unique that we’re in a place where people always set high expectations,” he said. “You don’t really know what high expectations are unless you are at Southlake Carroll. It attracts a certain type of individuals who can perform, and to be able to deliver that result.”

The Dragon men were led by Murphy, assistant coach Rachael Ausdenmoore, and diving coach Anastasia Pozdniakova. The Lady Dragons were guided by Pudwill, assistant coach Chava Osorio, and Pozdniakova.

With a bronze podium finish for the men, a fourth-place team finish for the women, multiple relay medals, and a state champion crowned in diving, Southlake Carroll Swim & Dive closed the season with a powerful statement built on depth, unity, and championship-level performances.