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NC State Swimmers to Represent Team USA at 2025 World Aquatics Championships

NC State Swimmers Set to Shine for Team USA at 2025 World Aquatics Championships

As the swimming world turns its attention to the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, NC State University continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate swimming. Several standout athletes from the Wolfpack program have earned spots on Team USA, bringing their exceptional talents to the international stage. This year's championships, scheduled from July 11 to August 3, promise high-stakes competition across a variety of events, with NC State swimmers poised to make significant impacts in relays, individual races, and potentially medal contention. For fans eager to follow their progress, broadcast details and key watch times are essential, ensuring that supporters back home can catch every splash and turn.

The Wolfpack's representation on Team USA underscores the program's depth and coaching excellence under head coach Braden Holloway. NC State has long been a breeding ground for elite swimmers, with alumni and current athletes frequently transitioning to professional and international levels. This year's contingent includes a mix of seasoned Olympians and rising stars, each bringing unique strengths to the American squad. Their selections come on the heels of impressive performances at national trials and other qualifying meets, where they demonstrated the speed, endurance, and technique that have become hallmarks of NC State training.

Leading the charge is Katharine Berkoff, a backstroke specialist whose pedigree and consistency make her a cornerstone of Team USA's efforts. Berkoff, who has already etched her name in the annals of swimming history with multiple NCAA titles and Olympic experience, will compete in the women's 50m and 100m backstroke events. Her journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from a family of swimmers—her father David Berkoff is a former Olympian—Katharine has honed her skills at NC State, where she shattered records and led the Wolfpack to team successes. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she showcased her prowess by medaling in the 100m backstroke, a performance that not only boosted her confidence but also highlighted her ability to perform under pressure. For the 2025 Worlds, expectations are high; Berkoff is favored to contend for podium spots, particularly in the 100m, where her starts and underwater work give her a competitive edge. Fans should mark their calendars for the women's 100m backstroke heats on July 15, with semifinals later that day and the final on July 16. The 50m event follows suit, with prelims on July 20 and the final on July 21. These races will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, with streaming options available for international viewers.

Joining Berkoff is Aiden Hayes, a versatile freestyler and butterfly expert who has rapidly ascended the ranks since his arrival at NC State. Hayes, known for his explosive speed and tactical racing, will represent Team USA in the men's 100m butterfly and potentially relay duties. His breakthrough came during the NCAA Championships, where he contributed to relay victories and set personal bests that caught the eye of national selectors. Hayes's style is characterized by a powerful pull and efficient turns, making him a threat in short-course and long-course formats alike. At just 22 years old, he's already drawing comparisons to some of the sport's greats, and his inclusion on the Worlds team is a testament to his potential. Look for Hayes in the men's 100m butterfly prelims on July 18, with the final slated for July 19. He may also anchor or swim legs in the men's 4x100m medley relay, which heats up on July 25 and culminates in the final on July 26. Coverage will be available on USA Network and through the World Aquatics official app, ensuring fans can tune in regardless of time zones.

Another key NC State swimmer making waves for Team USA is Leah Smith, a distance freestyle phenom whose endurance and pacing have made her a staple in longer events. Smith, who has balanced her collegiate career with international aspirations, will compete in the women's 400m and 800m freestyle. Her training at NC State has emphasized aerobic capacity and race strategy, skills that shone through in her previous World Championship appearances. Smith's ability to maintain form over multiple laps sets her apart, and she's often called upon for open-water events as well, though her focus this year remains on the pool. Her personal story is inspiring: overcoming early career injuries, she rededicated herself to the sport at NC State, leading to All-American honors and now this prestigious selection. The women's 400m freestyle kicks off with prelims on July 12, final on July 13, while the 800m heats are on July 22, with the final on July 23. These events are prime-time viewing on NBC, often featured in highlight packages for their dramatic finishes.

Not to be overlooked is the dynamic duo of NC State alumni in the relay pools. For instance, Ross Dant, a breaststroke and individual medley specialist, brings his expertise to the men's side. Dant's power in the breaststroke leg of medleys has been crucial for Team USA in past relays, and his NC State roots include multiple conference titles. He'll likely feature in the men's 200m breaststroke individually, with prelims on July 17 and final on July 18, as well as relay events scattered throughout the meet. Similarly, Sophie Hansson, another Wolfpack product, strengthens the women's breaststroke contingent. Her smooth technique and consistency earned her a spot in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, where she'll aim to build on her Olympic relay experience. Hansson's events are scheduled for July 14 (100m prelims and final on July 15) and July 19 (200m prelims and final on July 20).

The collective impact of these NC State swimmers extends beyond individual glory; their presence bolsters Team USA's relay teams, which are perennial medal contenders. The mixed 4x100m medley relay, for example, could see multiple Wolfpack athletes collaborating, with heats on July 24 and the final on July 25. This synergy highlights the program's emphasis on team dynamics, a philosophy that translates seamlessly to the international arena.

For viewers, the 2025 World Aquatics Championships offer comprehensive coverage. In the United States, NBCUniversal holds the rights, with live streams on Peacock starting at 9:00 PM ET for most evening sessions (which align with Singapore's morning heats due to the time difference—Singapore is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time). Daytime rebroadcasts and highlights will air on NBC and USA Network, typically from 8:00 AM ET onward. International fans can access free streams via the World Aquatics website, though geo-restrictions may apply. Key sessions to watch include the opening days for freestyle events and the closing weekend for relays and finals galas.

Beyond the competition, these athletes embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence fostered at NC State. Berkoff has spoken about the rigorous training regimens that prepare swimmers for global stages, emphasizing mental toughness alongside physical prowess. Hayes, meanwhile, credits the supportive team environment for his growth, noting how intra-squad competitions push everyone to new heights. Smith and others echo these sentiments, highlighting how NC State's facilities and coaching staff provide a launchpad for dreams like competing at Worlds.

As the championships approach, anticipation builds not just for medals but for the stories that will unfold. Will Berkoff defend her backstroke dominance? Can Hayes break through in butterfly? The answers will come in Singapore, where NC State pride will be on full display. For Wolfpack faithful and swimming enthusiasts alike, this is a can't-miss event, blending collegiate legacy with international spectacle.

In total, NC State's representation at the 2025 Worlds exemplifies the program's ongoing influence on American swimming. With events spanning from sprints to distances, and relays adding team excitement, these athletes are ready to dive in and make history. Tune in, cheer loud, and witness the next chapter in their remarkable journeys. (Word count: 1,048)

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