We started with our Swimmer of the Year Nominees, which consisted of 13 individuals. Ater careful consideration, we narrowed down the pool (pun intended) to 6 finalists. The remaining nominees were then set up for a public vote for the fans, families, and schools to vote on one more finalist to join the aforementioned 6. With 40,514 total votes, Jefferson’s Brandon Hailey (senior) won that vote. Overall, 110,020 votes were cast over just a few days.

SO WHAT’S NEXT? Our internal voting panel, made up of sports writers, producers, and former GHSA officials, will cast a Heisman-style vote to determine the Swimmer of the Year.

6 FINALISTS UP FOR SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

Aubree-Clare Alewine-Flores – Jefferson FR

5th in 100 Fly | 7th in 100 Back | 5th in 400 Free Relay | 10th in 200 Free Relay

Montgomery Dampier – Tallulah Falls SR

State Runner-Up in 500 Free | 4th in 200 Free | 6th in 400 Free Relay | 10th in 200 Medley Relay

Kate Dunagan – Jefferson FR

5th in 100 Free | 6th in 50 Free | 4th in 200 Free Relay | 5th in 400 Free Relay

Brandon Hailey – Jefferson SR

14th in 200 IM | 15th in 100 Breast

Lauren Massey – Commerce SR

12th in 100 Free | 13th in 50 Free | 7th in 200 Medley Relay

Emre Sungur – Tallulah Falls FR

3rd in 500 Free | 4th in 200 IM | 12th in 400 Free Relay | 14th in 200 Medley Relay

Hunter White – Union SR

State Champion in 100 Free | State Champion in 100 Breast