CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Charles County swimmers delivered standout performances and celebrated multiple state titles and podium finishes at Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association Swimming and Diving State Championships, held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20–21, 2026, at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Families, teammates and supporters from across the county filled the stands throughout the two-day meet, cheering on local athletes. By the end of the weekend, swimmers, parents and coaches walked away proud of the season, the progress made and the strong sense of community that continues to grow around the sport.
La Plata Warriors Celebrate State Champions
La Plata High School led the county in scoring with multiple top finishes, including two individual state titles and a podium performance from a freshman standout.
Senior Landon Abelende captured the boys’ 100-yard freestyle title with a time of 46.87.
Junior Jackson Donnick added another championship for the Warriors, winning the boys’ 100-yard butterfly in 51.09. He also finished second in the boys’ 50-yard freestyle in 21.44.
Freshman Audrey Payne made an impact in her first state championship appearance, placing third in the girls’ 50-yard freestyle in 25.04 and earning a spot on the podium.
The Warriors’ performances sparked excitement among teammates and supporters, who celebrated the team’s success and the dedication behind the results.
McDonough, St. Charles Swimmers Earn State Podium Finishes
Swimmers from both McDonough and St. Charles earned podium finishes, contributing to the county’s success at the state championships.
Senior Lamont Spriggs of St. Charles High School earned a third-place finish in the boys’ 100-yard butterfly in 51.78, closing out his high school career with a podium performance at the state meet.
Freshman Cambree Rose also reached the podium in her first state championship appearance for McDonough High School. Rose finished second in the girls’ 50-yard freestyle in 24.97 and later placed third in the girls’ 100-yard butterfly in 59.57. Her strong debut has teammates and supporters looking forward to her continued growth and success in the years ahead.
In the final team standings, La Plata’s performances helped place the Warriors among the top programs in the state. Both the La Plata girls and boys teams finished seventh overall, with the girls earning 147 points and the boys scoring 132.
Poolesville captured both team championships, with the girls finishing first with 342.5 points and the boys winning with 376 points.
Learn more at MPSSAA Swimming and Diving State Championship Central.
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