Torrey Pines Swimmer Aims for Record-Breaking Finish

Aya Ferguson hopes to cap stellar high school career with CIF San Diego Section titles and individual records.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Aya Ferguson, a senior at Torrey Pines High School, is poised to add another individual record to her impressive swimming resume. After coming within 14/100ths of a second of the 100-yard freestyle record last year, Ferguson is determined to break the mark this season. She also hopes to capture three-peat Division 1 titles in the 100 free and 200 free at the upcoming section meet.

Why it matters

Ferguson's pursuit of individual records and championships highlights the strength of the Torrey Pines swimming program, which has rewritten relay records in recent years. Her success also showcases the talent and dedication of San Diego-area high school athletes, who compete at the highest levels of California prep sports.

The details

Ferguson, who will swim collegiately at Northwestern University, has already left her mark in the CIF San Diego Section record book, holding two relay records. She came close to the 100-yard freestyle record last year, and her coach believes she has the talent and work ethic to break it this season. Ferguson is also aiming to win her third consecutive Division 1 titles in the 100 free and 200 free, while helping the Falcons' relay teams defend their section records.

  • Last year, Ferguson came within 14/100ths of a second of the 100-yard freestyle record of 49.63 seconds, set in 2012.
  • The CIF San Diego Section championships begin on May 6, 2026.
  • Two years ago, Torrey Pines broke the 200 free relay mark in the section prelims, then did it again in the finals and the state meet.
  • Last year, the Falcons set a new 400 freestyle relay record of 3:26.09, breaking the previous mark of 3:26.66 set in 2018.

The players

Aya Ferguson

A senior at Torrey Pines High School who is poised to add another individual record to her impressive swimming resume. She will swim collegiately at Northwestern University.

Richard Contreras

The head coach of the Torrey Pines High School swimming team, who has praised Ferguson's talent, work ethic, and competitive spirit.

Valerie Hull

The swimmer who set the CIF San Diego Section record of 49.63 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle in 2012, a mark that Ferguson is aiming to break.

Blake Hayter

The swimmer who holds the oldest CIF San Diego Section records in the 200 free (1:46.62) and 500 free (4:43.75), set in 2005 while competing for USDHS (now Cathedral Catholic).

Katrina Wietfeldt

A senior at Torrey Pines High School who returns to the Falcons' 200 freestyle relay team.

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What they’re saying

“I want to go for that record this year. It'd be super exciting. My goal is probably to go sub-49, but when I go into a race, I don't really like thinking of time expectations. I just do the best I can do. When there are time expectations on me, I just don't go as fast.”

— Aya Ferguson, Torrey Pines High School senior

“Aya's just taken advantage of all her gifts and all her opportunities, and she's just makes the most out of everything. She has a very good feel for the water, she's not afraid at all of hard work, and she's a very fierce competitor.”

— Richard Contreras, Torrey Pines High School swimming coach

“In some relays, (teammates) will give me a big lead, and I like being out in front. On the flip side, I think I go faster when I have someone next to me to race. I like being the anchor, honestly. It's just even more adrenaline.”

— Aya Ferguson, Torrey Pines High School senior

What’s next

The CIF San Diego Section championships begin on May 6, 2026, where Ferguson will aim to defend her Division 1 titles in the 100 free and 200 free, as well as pursue the 100 free record.

The takeaway

Aya Ferguson's pursuit of individual and relay records at the CIF San Diego Section level showcases the depth of talent and competitive spirit within the Torrey Pines High School swimming program. Her success not only highlights her own abilities, but also the strength of San Diego-area high school athletics.