Year: 2025
Award: Newcomer of the Year, Swimming
Location/Affiliation: Cherry Creek High School
Four-time State Champion as a freshman,, five-time NISCA All-American
Our 2025 Newcomer of the Year made an immediate splash…or should we say tidal wave… and announced herself as a force from her very first race. As a freshman at Cherry Creek High School, Kate McKinnon delivered one of the most impressive debut seasons in recent memory. Going undefeated at the CHSAA Swimming & Diving State Championships, Kate captured four state titles; two relays and two individual events; showcasing versatility, confidence, and poise beyond her years. Both relay wins were historic, as she anchored a team that shattered a relay record once held by superstar Missy Franklin. On the national stage, Kate earned two USA Swimming National Awards, while dominating statewide with seven Colorado Long Course and four Short Course titles. Her excellence earned her a spot at the prestigious USA Swimming National Select Camp…just one of 52 swimmers nationwide to earn the honor.
