Olympian Bella Sims and University of Michigan champion Tyler Ray brought world-class expertise to Holland Aquatic Center, leading an inspiring swim clinic for Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics (MLA) athletes. The event gave young swimmers a rare opportunity to learn from elite competitors who have competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Sims, a U.S. Olympic medalist, and Ray, a standout for the Wolverines, shared technical tips, race strategies, and mental preparation techniques with MLA club members. The clinic focused on refining starts, turns, and underwater work—key areas where even small improvements can lead to big drops in time.

The event comes at an exciting time for MLA, as several of its swimmers are making waves nationally. Sophia Umstead, who recently committed to the University of Virginia, is set to compete at the USA Junior National Championships. The Jenison standout has already made her mark at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, racing at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis alongside fellow MLA swimmer Derek Maas.

Umstead's rise has been remarkable. She won bronze at the U.S. Junior National Championships and helped Virginia swimming capture its record sixth straight NCAA championship in March. At just 14, she won the 200 IM at the West Michigan Classic, signaling a bright future ahead.

For the MLA swimmers, learning from athletes like Sims and Ray—who have been in their shoes and reached the pinnacle of the sport—provided both motivation and practical knowledge they can apply in their own training. With the right gear and technique, these young athletes are proving that Michigan's swimming pipeline continues to produce world-class talent.