Senior Spotlight: Men's Swimming

2023-24 Men's Swimming Senior Spotlight

These six seniors have helped the program to a 24-3 record over the past four years, including a 6-2 record thus far in 2023-24. As the first full class of seniors, five of these six Lions were a part of the founding program year as freshman and have seen the program go from the ground floor to nationally ranked during the fall of 2023. 

Brown has been a force since arriving in Demorest, leading the team in four events his freshman season. He built upon that early success, seeing all his hard work pay off during his junior year as he won the 100 yard breaststroke at the 2023 Independent South Swimming Conference Championships. Brown was rewarded for his efforts during 2022 and 2023 by being placed on the Independent South All-Conference list. He also made the All-Academic team for his work in the classroom in 2023. Jon plans to graduate in the spring of 2024 with a degree in applied health science.

Coppedge entered Demorest as a member of the founding team for the university, immediately making an impact. Leading the team in three events during his freshman year, he would go on to help break the school record in the 200 yard freestyle relay just two years later during the 2022-23 season. Coppedge earned Independent South All-Conference honors in 2022 and Independent South All-Academic Team honors in 2023. Ross plans to graduate in the spring of 2024 with a degree in sports and fitness administration.

Donaldson has been a four-year swimmer for the Lions, ranking top five in four different events during his freshman year. He appeared 10 times during the 2022-23 season, setting personal bests in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke at the Independent South Swimming Conference Championships. A leader in the classroom, Donaldson earned a spot on the USA South All-Academic Team in 2022, Independent South All-Academic Team honors in 2022 and 2023 went on to earn CSC Academic All-District in 2023. Will plans to graduate in the spring of 2024 with a double degree in accounting and data analytics.

Joining the team this season, Gardner has served in a managerial role to Head Coach Teddy Guyer. Gardner has been a supportive teammate and friend of the program. John plans to graduate in the spring of 2024 with a degree in criminal justice.

Luther has been a four-year member of the Lions program, leading the team from the front of the pack. Appearing 10 times in 2023, he claimed second place at the Independent South Swimming Conference Championships in the 1650 yard freestyle while also taking 4th in the 200 yard freestyle at the same meet. Luther earned Independent South All-Conference honors as well as All-Academic team during his career. Matthew plans to graduate in the spring of 2024 with a degree in exercise and sports science.

Morgan played a role in the original swim program, ranking top five on the team in 11 different events during his freshman year. He continued to progress during his time, seeing his first Independent South All-Conference honors in 2022 before earning them once again in 2023. Morgan saw his best finishes at the Independent South during his junior year, placing third in the 100 yard backstroke and fifth in the 200 yard backstroke. In the classroom, he has excelled, earning an Independent South All-Academic nod in 2023. Zane plans on graduating in the spring of 2024 with a degree in forensic science.