Karina Plaza and Joey Eaddy Crowned 2025 Swammy Age Group Swimmers of the Year

The 13-14 category winners showcase the depth of young swimming talent in the U.S.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:29pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a swimming competition, with overlapping planes of color and movement, capturing the energy and diversity of the sport.The 2025 Swammy Awards celebrate the versatility and potential of young swimming prodigies, whose achievements defy simple categorization.Sarasota Today

The 2025 Swammy Awards have recognized Karina Plaza and Joey Eaddy as the Age Group Swimmers of the Year in the 13-14 category. Plaza, from Mecklenburg, broke two National Age Group (NAG) records in breaststroke, while Eaddy, from Revolution Aquatic Club, demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple events and distances. Their achievements highlight the rising stars in the sport of swimming and invite debate on what truly defines greatness.

Why it matters

The Swammy Awards shine a spotlight on the next generation of swimming talent, showcasing the potential and diversity of young athletes. Plaza and Eaddy's victories not only celebrate their individual accomplishments but also spark discussions around the value of record-breaking performances versus overall consistency and versatility in the sport.

The details

In the girls' category, 14-year-old Karina Plaza made history by becoming the first 13-14 girl to break the 1:00 barrier in the 100 breaststroke, clocking 59.94 at the North Carolina Swimming Short Course Age Group Championships. She also set a new NAG record in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:09.40. Plaza's versatility was on full display as she led the nation in the 400 IM and posted top-10 times in events like the 200 free, 50 back, and 200 fly. On the boys' side, Joey Eaddy of Revolution Aquatic Club showcased his consistency and well-rounded skill set. By the end of 2025, he had secured 10 top times in events ranging from the 200 free to the 200 back, with particularly impressive long course times in the 400 free, 800 free, and 1500 free.

  • In February 2025, Karina Plaza broke the 1:00 barrier in the 100 breaststroke at the North Carolina Swimming Short Course Age Group Championships.
  • Also in February 2025, Karina Plaza set a new NAG record in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:09.40.

The players

Karina Plaza

A 14-year-old swimmer from Mecklenburg who broke two National Age Group (NAG) records in breaststroke during the 2024-25 short course season.

Joey Eaddy

A swimmer from Revolution Aquatic Club who demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple events and distances, securing 10 top times in the 13-14 age group by the end of 2025.

Sydney Hardy

A swimmer from Sarasota Sharks who dominated distance events, holding the fastest times in the 1650 free and 200 IM.

Gabi Brito

A swimmer from Beach Cities Swimming who made her mark before turning 15, leading in four events and ranking in the top 10 in eight others.

Grace Koenig-Song

A swimmer from NASA Wildcat Aquatics who broke a NAG record in the 50 breaststroke, showcasing the depth of talent in the 13-14 age group.

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What’s next

As the 2025 Swammy Award winners, Karina Plaza and Joey Eaddy will be closely watched in the coming years to see if they can continue their success and potentially join the ranks of past honorees who have gone on to achieve greatness in the sport of swimming.

The takeaway

The 2025 Swammy Awards for the 13-14 age group highlight the depth and diversity of young swimming talent in the United States. While record-breaking performances like Karina Plaza's are impressive, the victory of Joey Eaddy, who demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple events and distances, invites us to consider the value of well-rounded skill sets and sustained success in the sport.