From seasoned champions like Gretchen Walsh, Claire Curzan, and Kate Douglass to the rising stars of tomorrow, swimming is witnessing a surge of youthful energy and skill. Among these promising talents stands 14-year-old Rylee Erisman, a name quickly ascending the ranks and making significant waves. She boasts impressive rankings as the third-best 13-14 girl nationally by USA Swimming, securing third and fourth positions in USA Swimming’s all-time top-100 rankings.

Her recent breakthrough performance at the NCSA Spring Championships in Orlando, Florida, saw her become the youngest American to clock a sub-25 effort in the 50 freestyle. Rylee Erisman has cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with. As we explore her burgeoning career, let us get to know more about the star.

The support system of Rylee Erisman

According to Swimming World Magazine, on the final night of the National Club Swimming Association Championships, the 14-year-old prodigy Rylee Erisman made waves in the 50-meter freestyle (long course) event. Erisman’s astonishing time of 24.98 seconds not only secured her the National Age Group (NAG) record but also saw her become the youngest American to achieve this milestone.

In a dazzling display of skill, she eclipsed the previous record set by none other than swimming legend Missy Franklin, marking her status as a trailblazer in the sport. Under the expert tutelage of coach Kyle Goller at Windermere Laker Aquatics, Erisman’s journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Goller, a revered figure in the swimming world, serves as the head club coach and lead coach for Lakers Select. The Erisman family boasts a rich swimming heritage, with Rylee’s older brother, Ryan Erisman, also making waves in the sport. Ryan’s impressive achievements, including being ranked as the second-best swimmer in Florida by SwimCloud and securing a coveted spot on the University of California, Berkeley swim team, underscore the family’s deep-rooted connection to swimming excellence.

Her stellar achievements

Rylee Erisman made waves at the Southern Zone South Sectional in Orlando by elevating her Olympic Trials cut total from five to seven events. Her achievements span a variety of disciplines, with notable improvements in events such as the 200 free, 200 IM, 50 free, and 400 IM. Setting records in the 100 and 200 backstroke further solidifies her status as a rising star in the sport.

Coach Goller has praised Rylee not only for her swimming prowess but also for her positive influence on her teammates. He has proudly shared, “I am proud and honored to have coached her the past five years and gotten to know her as the wonderful person she has become. I am excited to see where swimming takes her.” 

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