Twenty-four talented young distance swimmers were chosen from across the country to participate in USA Swimming's 2018 National Open Water Select Camp, slated for August 23-26 at the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex in Pleasant Prairie, Wisc. 

The four-day camp, which boasts a roster of both 12 male and 12 female swimmers, will help these talented athletes learn strategies, Open Water technique, nutrition and recovery from a team of elite Open Water coaches. The camp is an integral step for any young swimmer as they move from the pool to Open Water swimming and then the international scene. 

“The National Open Water Select Camp is an important stepping stone for young athletes as they look to take the next steps in their blooming Open Water swimming careers,” said Mariejo Truex, USA Swimming’s Senior Director of Education, Programs and Services. “In years past the camp has provided a solid foundation for the U.S.’ best distance swimmers and we look forward to providing the same motivational and education experience for the next generation of distance swimmers.”

John Payne (TAC Titans) will serve as the head coach for the camp, with Meredith Green (Brad Akins YMCA Barracudas), Joey Ferreri (Bearcat Aquatics) and John Flanagan (Kamehameha Swim Club) serving as the assistant coaches. Aaron Mahaney (University of Montevallo) will be the head manager, while Jon Bescher (New Wave Swim Team) and Katie Crider (New Trier Aquatics) will be the assistant managers. 

In addition to a group of top-tier coaches, U.S. National Team members David Heron, Emily (Brunemann) Klueh and Ashley Twichell will help instruct the athletes in attendance. Both Klueh and Twichell are alumni of the camp having been selected in 2009 and 2011, respectively.

For more information on the National Open Water Select Camp and the selection process, please click HERE. To follow along with all the action of the camp, follow the hashtag #NOWS18 on all social media platforms. 

Men's Roster
Brice Barrieault (Sandpipers of Nevada)
Drew Clark (University of Florida)
Brendan Driscoll (Greater Tampa Swimming Association)
Brendan Firlie (SwimMAC Carolina)
Dane Florea (University of Missouri)
Sawyer Grimes (Sandpipers of Nevada)
Christopher Lindley (North Texas Nadadores)
Gabriel Machado (Boise YMCA Swim Team)
Andrew Matejka (Gator Swim Club)
Michael Messner (University of Minnesota
Mason Nyboer (Tiger Aquatics)
Luke Thornbrue (Hillsboro Swim Team)

Women's Roster
Julissa Arzave (South Bay Aquatics)
Anna Auld (East Coast Aquatic Club)
Sarah Dimeco (Issaquah Swim Team)
Chloe Freeman (Sandpipers of Nevada)
Meghan Joram (University of Pittsburgh)
Abigail Kilgallon (Scarlet Aquatics)
Rachel Klinker (Lexington Dolphins)
Grace Kowal (Ohio State University)
Nicole Stiles (Crow Canyon Country Club Sharks)
Ashley Strouse (Scottsdale Aquatic Club)
Morgan Tankersley (Greater Tampa Swimming Association)
Liberty Williams (Riverside Aquatics Association)