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Kingfish RI Makes Waves At 10 & U and 11-14 Championships at Brown University

dmgauntt65@gmail.com (Dmitry Gauntt) — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:17:32 GMT

KING Rhode Island Scores Big at 2025 10 & U and 11–14 New England Age Group Championships

Providence, Rhode Island- Kingfish Rhode Island’s very own Keegan Brown took to the big stage at the 2025 New England Age Group Championships—racing fast, cheering loud, and showing what it means to be part of the KING family.

Even more special was the support Keegan gave to our teammates from Kingfish Massachusetts, embodying the spirit of unity and encouragement that makes our program so strong across both states.

Keegan made a big splash in two butterfly events, delivering breakout performances that capped off a season of hard work and steady improvement:

Breakout Performances:

�� 14th – 100 Butterfly (1:33.55)
A gutsy race that showed Keegan’s growing strength and technique in the longer fly event. A top-16 finish in New England is no small feat, and Keegan earned it!

�� 18th – 50 Butterfly (39.47)
Speed and confidence carried Keegan through the 50 fly, cracking the top 20 in a highly competitive field.

Keegan’s effort and attitude stood out all weekend, not only in the pool but also on deck—supporting teammates, staying focused, and representing KING RI with pride.

We’re incredibly proud of Keegan for stepping up, racing with heart, and being a true teammate throughout the championship weekend.

11-14 Championship Results

Providence, Rhode Island- This past weekend, four of our Kingfish Rhode Island athletes—Natalie Christina, Milania Brown, Adeline Thivierge, and Brynn Emmert—proudly represented our team at the 2025 New England Age Group Championships. Against the best in the region, they rose to the occasion, earning finals appearances, scoring points, and embodying the KING spirit from start to finish.

"The 11–14 Long Course Championships provided our team with a valuable opportunity to check in on their training and see how close they are—or could get—to achieving their goals. There were times when we stumbled, when training didn’t go exactly as planned. But there were also moments of real success—times when we shot for the moon. And while we may not have landed exactly where we aimed, getting two-thirds of the way there was something truly awesome to witness, and a reminder of what each swimmer is capable of.

This meet also served as a learning experience. In life, we come to understand that achieving our goals often requires sacrifices. For example, some of our athletes showed incredible discipline—like the girls who chose to rest and stay off their feet before finals, even though they wanted to be out on the deck with their friends—because they knew it would help them swim faster.

Overall, I’d say the team had great success, and I’m excited to see where we go from here."

-Kingfish Head Coach, Sam

Breakout Performances:

�� Adeline Thivierge (11)

4th – 50 Backstroke (35.00) – A Final
8th – 100 Backstroke (1:16.79) – A Final
11th – 50 Freestyle (30.83) – B Final

Adeline was a standout in the backstroke events, finishing in the top 8 and scoring big points. Her sprint free performance also cracked the top 16, adding more value to a stellar weekend.

�� Brynn Emmert (12)

�� 1st – 50 Breaststroke (38.21) – A Final Champion!
12th – 100 Breaststroke (1:27.78) – B Final

Brynn captured KING RI’s first individual event win of the weekend in the 50 breaststroke, leading the region dominantly. She followed it up with another point-scoring swim in the 100 breaststroke.

�� Milania Brown (11)

6th – 800 Freestyle (10:59.69) – Final
8th – 1500 Freestyle (21:15.28) – Final

Milania proved herself as one of New England’s top young distance swimmers. Her top-8 finishes in the 800 and 1500 Freestyle added important points and showed her incredible mental and physical endurance.

�� Natalie Christina (13)

16th – 50 Backstroke (34.48) – B Final
13th – 100 Backstroke (1:13.06) – B Final
16th – 200 Backstroke (2:43.36) – B Final

Natalie quietly became one of the most consistent backstrokers at the meet, reaching finals in all three backstroke distances and scoring points in each. A strong and composed performance throughout the weekend!

These four swimmers combined to score points in 10 individual events, making a huge impact on our Rhode Island branch. More importantly, they exemplified KING values— team spirit, effort, and character —from warm-up to cooldown.

We’re incredibly proud of Natalie, Milania, Adeline, and Brynn for their accomplishments and for representing KING RI with pride.

Let’s keep building — Go KING! ��

Kingfish Shines at Wesleyan – Momentum Builds Heading into Championships

dmgauntt65@gmail.com (Dmitry Gauntt) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 20:19:43 GMT

Middletown, CT -Kingfish Swimming Rhode Island made a statement this past weekend at the WHAT June Trials & Finals Meet at Wesleyan University. From the opening races to the final session, our athletes stepped up, showcasing the results of consistent training, team unity, and a shared commitment to improvement.

This meet served as a mid-season checkpoint for many of our swimmers—and the team responded with grit, focus, and enthusiasm. The coaching staff was especially proud of the way our athletes embraced new challenges, tackled tough events, and supported each other on deck.

Breakout Performances

This weekend’s championship finals were packed with exciting swims, and our athletes delivered standout performances across multiple age groups.

Brynn Emmert (12) led the charge for the 11–12 girls, finishing first in the 50 Meter Breast with a dominant time of 42.48. She wasn’t done there — Brynn also took third in the 100 Meter Breast, showcasing her consistency across strokes and distances.
Milania Brown (11) impressed with her versatility, earning third-place finishes in both the 50 and 200 Meter Fly. Her strong results in both sprint and distance fly events show she’s a rising powerhouse in the age group.
Natalie Christina (14) made waves in the Girls 13–14 100 Meter Back, racing to a second-place finish with a time of 1:12.40 — a breakout moment in a highly competitive field.
For the 10&U boys, Keegan Brown (9) brought the energy, finishing first in both the 50 and 100 Meter Fly. With times of 39.28 and 1:34.12, Keegan dominated the fly events, leading the way for our youngest competitors.

These performances not only highlight the growth of our swimmers but also set the tone for what’s to come. Congratulations to all our finalists — your hard work and focus are paying off in a big way!

A word from head coach sam

“Our team came in prepared, and it showed. We saw significant time drops, smart racing, and growth in events swimmers hadn’t taken on before. This weekend reinforced that we’re headed in the right direction.”

Beyond the times and places, this meet was about progress. Swimmers gained valuable experience in a trials-finals format, tested themselves in new events, and showed just how far we’ve come this season. For some, it meant achieving championship cuts. For others, it provided clear feedback and a renewed focus heading into July.

“If you didn’t hit your goals this weekend, it’s not the end—it’s a checkpoint. Talk with your coaches. Identify areas to grow. Stay locked in on recovery, habits, and daily effort. That’s how we get better.”

With championships on the horizon, the momentum is real. Kingfish swimmers are racing with confidence, supporting one another, and showing what it means to be a part of this program.

Let’s stay the course, stay connected, and keep building.

#GoKingfish #TeamEffort #SwimRIStrong #ChampionshipSeason

Dive into Our 2025 Ocean State Swim Camp!

dmgauntt65@gmail.com (Dmitry Gauntt) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:08:10 GMT

Swim Smarter, Not Harder

Bristol, RI.- Ocean State Swim Camp is back this summer with an exciting opportunity for swimmers to elevate their skills and swim smarter, not harder. Our 2025 Technique Camp is designed for athletes who want to fine-tune their stroke mechanics, build race strategy, and gain a deeper understanding of efficient, powerful swimming.

Over the course of a week, swimmers will break down each of the four competitive strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—with dedicated daily focus on the key technical elements that set great swimmers apart. From body position and kick timing to pull technique and breathing rhythm, every session is packed with skills that translate directly to better performance in the pool.

Each morning kicks off with a goal-setting discussion led by Matt Emmert, Assistant Athletic Director & Head Swim Coach at Roger Williams University, before heading into the water for focused technical work. Athletes will work on sculling, body alignment, race-pace drills, and stroke-specific refinement, gaining the tools they need to swim with confidence and precision .

But it's not just about the strokes. Our daily itinerary includes dryland activities, team-building games, and downtime for recovery and fun—because we believe the best swimmers are not just technically sound, but also passionate and joyful in their training.

Whether you're mastering the early vertical forearm in freestyle, sharpening your backstroke rotation, or dialing in your breaststroke and butterfly tempo, this camp offers athletes a deeper connection to their stroke and their sport.

We had such a great turn out for the first camp in June. Sign up for the next session in July before spots are gone!

Dates:
�� July 14-17, 2025

Location:
�� Roger Williams University – Bristol, RI

Who Should Attend:
Swimmers ages 9–15 who are ready to refine technique and grow as athletes

Why OSSC?
Because better technique leads to faster, smarter racing—and a lifelong love of the sport.

Spots are limited. Join us this July and take your swimming to the next level.
Registration opens 6/25/2025

Register Today on Captyn: OSSC Registration Link

Kingfish Water Polo Releases Additional Clinic Dates

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:31:49 GMT

BRISTOL, RI.- This summer, Kingfish Swimming is proud to offer a unique opportunity for swimmers and athletes to dive into the exciting world of water polo. Our upcoming Water Polo Clinics are designed to teach the fundamentals, develop competitive skills, and — most importantly — provide a fun and engaging environment for all participants.

Led by two powerhouse coaches in the collegiate water polo scene, the clinics will be guided by GT Ladd, Head Coach at Wheaton College, and Petar Momčilović, Head Coach at Brown University. These experienced leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, energy, and passion to every session, ensuring athletes receive high-quality instruction no matter their current skill level.

The clinics are open to all swimmers and athletes who are looking to improve their abilities, explore a new sport, or cross-train in a high-energy environment. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or brand new to water polo, you'll be welcomed into a supportive space where learning and growth are at the center of every practice.

Clinic Dates:
June 14th, and 21st
July 12th, 19th, and 26 ^th

Clinic Times:

10-11:30am

Cost: Each clinic is just $10, payable by Cash or Venmo to @KingfishRI.

Water polo builds strength, endurance, and confidence in and out of the pool — and this summer, you’ll have the chance to learn from the best, compete with peers, and walk away better than you started.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to train hard, play smart, and have a blast. Come join the Kingfish RI family and experience the energy of water polo!

Kingfish RI: A United Front & Breakout Meet

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:49:55 GMT

WARWICK, RI –This weekend’s Almost Summer Invite at McDermoott was a huge success for Kingfish Rhode Island — not just in the pool, but in how we showed up together.

From young first-time racers to veteran leaders, our swimmers embodied everything we strive to build: positivity, grit, and a strong team-first mentality.

Spotlight: Eloise Wensus

One of the most powerful moments of the meet came from 10-year-old Eloise, whose 200 IM was a beautiful culmination of hard work, coachability, and growth. Her butterfly — once a technical struggle — clicked into place with rhythm and strength, setting the tone for a standout weekend that included wins, big time drops, and most importantly, confidence.

“It brought a tear to my eye,” said Coach, reflecting on her performance. “You dream of moments like that — when all the work a swimmer puts in just shows up. ”

Breakout Performances & Big Time Drops

Charles Breguet (13) cut significant time across multiple events, including a strong 200 Free (2:35) and 400 Free (5:29).

Brynn Emmert (11) dominated across events — including a 400 Free in 5:36, a 200 Free drop of nearly 20 seconds, and clean swims in breaststroke and IM.

Milania Brown (11) turned heads with multiple heat wins and technical improvements, including a 6:28 400 IM and a breakthrough 50 Fly in 36.29.
Adeline Thivierge (11) and Angelica Christensen (13) demonstrated consistency and range, achieving top times in both sprint and distance events.
Olivia Taylor (15) led the senior group with a commanding 31.25 50 Free and strong showings in all her races.
Lukas Bowser (11) showed massive drops in his 100 Free and backstroke races, with a top 200 Free time of 2:41.
Beauchemin siblings Oliver and Claire both raced with heart and showed significant improvement in both backstroke and breaststroke events.

What This Meet Was About

Yes, the fast times and heat wins were exciting — but more importantly, this meet was about building belief. Swimmers who had never raced long course meters trusted their training, leaned on each other, and stepped up with confidence.

We're not just growing in speed — we're growing in character, mindset, and connection.

Final Takeaway

Kingfish Rhode Island is making moves. Each meet is a chance to learn, to push, and to support each other. We’re proud of our athletes and families for showing up with energy, teamwork, and heart.

Let’s keep building. The season is just heating up.

Building Champions: Kingfish Water Polo Clinic Inspires the Next Generation

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:58:12 GMT

BRISTOL, RI- The pool was full of energy, focus, and fun as Kingfish hosted a youth Water Polo clinic this past weekend. Brown University Water Polo Assistant Coach Petar Momcliovie and standout goalie Kole Newman took the reins, delivering a dynamic session packed with collegiate-level insight, skill-building, and enthusiasm.

Young players from across New England jumped into a packed schedule of fun that introduced them to the core fundamentals of Water Polo. From passing drills to shooting practice, every rep was designed to build confidence and technique. Players also focused on working through swimming sets and treading drills, fine-tuning their ability to stay strong and controlled in deeper water.

Coach Momcilovic brought a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for detail, while Newman offered a unique perspective straight from the net, motivating athletes of all positions. The session wrapped up with a classic game like “Keep-Away”, bringing out plenty of laughter and healthy competition.

The clinic wasn’t just about drills—it was about community, development, and giving young athletes the tools to grow in the sport. Parents and players alike are left energized and asking for more.

With such a strong showing and positive feedback , Kingfish Water Polo is already looking ahead to future clinics. Keep an eye out for more information regarding the next one!

Kingfish Swimming Rhode Island Promotes Sam Peck to Head Coach

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:08:19 GMT

BRISTOL, RI – 3.20.25 – Kingfish Swimming Rhode Island is proud to announce the promotion of Sam Peck to Head Coach. A Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most decorated swimmers in University of Rhode Island history, Sam has been an integral part of Kingfish as an assistant coach and now steps into this leadership role to continue building a culture of excellence and development for our athletes.

Sam is the second Kingfish staff member to be honored by the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame, further reinforcing the program’s commitment to high-level coaching and mentorship. His background as both a champion swimmer and an educator makes him uniquely positioned to elevate Kingfish’s mission of holistic athlete development.

“We are thrilled to promote Sam to Head Coach,” said Matt Emmert, Owner & Director. “His deep understanding of the sport, combined with his passion for teaching and athlete growth, aligns perfectly with the values of Kingfish. His leadership will continue to shape our swimmers not just as athletes, but as individuals.”

Beyond the pool, Sam holds a Master of Arts in Education and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education, reinforcing his belief in long-term development, both academically and athletically. His background in education is a natural fit for Kingfish’s philosophy, which

emphasizes not just competitive success, but also personal growth, character building, and lifelong skills.

“I am honored to step into the role of Head Coach at Kingfish Swimming,” said Sam. “This program is built on a foundation of passion, community, and athlete-centered coaching. I look forward to continuing our commitment to developing swimmers at every level and fostering a team culture that inspires growth in and out of the water.”

Kingfish Swimming Rhode Island provides a comprehensive aquatics program that includes learn-to-swim lessons, a USA Swimming competitive team, an Adult Masters Swim team, and youth water polo.

For more information, visit www.kingfishri.org or contact swimkfri@gmail.com.