The Johns Hopkins men’s swim team is gearing up for the 2026 NCAA Championships in Indianapolis. They have 11 swimmers, including standout seniors like Avery Clapp, Matthew Hartshorn, and Bryce Lloyd, along with graduate student Larry Yu. This will be their fourth NCAA Championship since they joined the team.
Not only will these athletes compete in individual events, but Hopkins has also qualified in all five relay events. The Blue Jays have a strong history at the NCAA Division III Championships, having participated since 1975 and ranking in the top five 31 times, with three championships won in the late 1970s. Last year, they finished 14th with 111 points, earning 24 All-America honors collectively.
The NCAA Championships are set for March 18-21 at the IU Natatorium. Here’s a closer look at some key participants:
Avery Clapp (Sr.): This will be his fourth time at the championships. He’s earned 18 All-America honors and competes in the 100 Fly, 200 Fly, and 200 Back. He holds the fourth-fastest time in the 200 Fly.
Matthew Hartshorn (Sr.): Another four-timer, he has three All-America honors and swims the 200 IM, 400 IM, and 200 Breast.
Kai Henrikson-Brandt (Fr.): Competing for the first time, he’s already noted for the sixth-fastest times in the 100 and 200 Back.
Bryce Lloyd (Sr.): Making his fourth appearance, he boasts six All-America honors and events in 200 IM, 100 Back, and 200 Back.
Larry Yu (Gr.): This is his first appearance with Johns Hopkins, but he brings 14 All-America honors from his time at Pomona-Pitzer.
Diving into recent statistics shows that collegiate swimming continues to grow in popularity, with an increasing number of schools participating each year. For example, as of 2023, nearly 450 colleges have men’s swimming programs compared to just over 300 a decade ago.
The excitement for this year’s championships is palpable, especially among fans and alumni. Social media trends are buzzing with support, with hashtags related to the championships gaining popularity. Students are rallying to share their school spirit, highlighting the strong community that surrounds Johns Hopkins athletics.
In the competitive landscape of college swimming, these young athletes are not just representing their school; they carry the legacy of their team’s rich history and the expectations of future greatness. As they prepare for the championships, their hard work and resilience become part of a tradition that continues to inspire both new swimmers and seasoned fans.
