SEASON PREVIEW: Gee-Gees swimming enters 2025-26 with new leadership, begins new era
After four years on the coaching staff, including three as the Associate Coach, Vince Sljuka steps into the Head Coach role, bringing experience, continuity and a bold vision for the program. Joining him is Makenzy Kennedy, who is taking on the full-time Associate Coach position to add depth and drive to the leadership team.
Women's Team Outlook
With a strong returning class and a promising group of newcomers, the Gee-Gees are well positioned to defend their second-place finish at the 2024-25 RSEQ Championship and have a shot at improving on their eighth-place finish at the 2024-25 U SPORTS Championship.
Key departures:
- Rachel McInnes
- Taylor Elliot
- Selin Turan
- Willow Cherewaty
Key additions
- Annabelle Jackson (North Bay Titans)
- Amélie Robichaud (Milton Marlins)
- Clara Darling (Halifax Trojans)
- Jocelyn Evans (Calgary Patriots)
- Emma Cyr (Transfer, Acadia)
Freestyle
Returning sprinters Rachel Smith, Raphaelle Lavoie, Aurélie Surprenant, and Maria Jeszka form a strong foundation in both individual and relay events. Rookie Gee-Gees, Annabelle Jackson (U SPORTS qualifier), Clara Durling, Sarah Leger, and Acadia transfer Emma Cyr add versatility to the sprint group.
In mid-distance freestyle, the return of fourth-year U SPORTS qualifier Amy Meharg, from injury is a major boost to the squad. She joins RSEQ medalist Isabel Langridge and veteran Kate Hulford to power the team in the 200m, 400m, and 800m events.
Backstroke
Isabelle Melanson (RSEQ champion in 100m and 200m) and Abby McKinley (RSEQ medalist) lead a formidable backstroke squad. Rookie Clara Durling, and the versatile Amy Meharg round out a deep and competitive group.
Breaststroke
While depth is limited, Grace Lu returns after a standout rookie setting where she set a team record in the 100, breast and earned an RSEQ silver medal. Late recruit Madison Do (Cobra Swim Club) adds scoring potential and strengthens the medley relay lineup.
Butterfly
This is a standout group. Josephine Streppel (RSEQ silver medalist), Sydney Colquhoun (U SPORTS 11th in 200m), Raphaelle Lavoie (RSEQ medalist), and Vanessa Thebarge return as proven performers. First years in Amélie Robichaud (U SPORTS qualifier) and Jocelyn Evans elevate this already formidable unit.
Individual Medley
Katherine Vithoulkas and Amy Wang bring top eight potential at RSEQ Championship while Isabel Langridge remains a reliable threat in both the 200m and 400m individual medley.
Men's Team Outlook
Despite graduating a large portion of last year's second-place RSEQ and eighth-place U SPORTS team, the Gee-Gees bring in a top five national recruiting class. With this infusion of talent, maintaining or improving on last season's results is well within reach.
Key departures
- Alex Strople
- Sam Greenshields
- Hugo Lemesle
- Jack Haycock
- Jakob Mbobela
- Chris Lanouette
Key additions
- Damien Bailey (North York Aquatic Club)
- Jonathan Gallacher (Upper Canada River Otters)
- Nicholas Radjenovic (Rocket Swim Club- Toronto)
- Trevor Campbell (Whitby Swimming)
- Victor Zheng (Lakeside Aquatic Club- Texas)
- Sam Rossel (Owen Sound Aquatic Club)
- Silas Campbell (Wilmot Aces)
- Branden Hachey (Transfer, University of Alberta)
Freestyle
Alym Kurji, the Gee-Gees' 'Big Dog,' anchors the sprint squad with star power in the 60m and 100m freestyle. First-years Trevor Campbell and Jakub Mikolajczak provide valuable support. James Clark, returning from an injury heavy season, could be a key X-factor.
U SPORTS qualifiers Colin Shearer and Noah Taylor are pillars in the 100m and 200m races, amining to build on strong 2024-25 campaigns. In the 1500 freestyle, rookies Silas Campbell and Louis Lalonde, along with second-year swimmer James Betrim offer promising options to fill a long-standing gap.
Backstroke
Graduation hit hard in the backstroke category, but the void is being filled by two of Ontario's top recruits. Jonathan Gallacher and Nicholas Radjenovic arrive to Ottawa with U SPORTS qualifying times. Damien Bailey adds depth, especially in the 200m while Yann Zephyr looks to build on an impressive rookie season in the 50m and 100m backstroke.
Buttefly
Alym Kurji and Baris Kartoglu are legitimate U SPORTS threats. Hashim Haba, an Iraqi national team member, is a consistent B-final scorer. Noah Taylor, Adam Al Seafan, and rookie Zachary Pantarotto round out a deep and versatile fly group.
Individual Medley
Colin Shearer (RSEQ medalist, U SPORTS finalist) and James Betrim anchor the individual medley squad. Brandan Hachey adds strength, particularly in the 400m.