Stroudsburg, PA — March 26, 2026 — The Pocono Family YMCA is proud to announce that six competitive swimmers have qualified for the YMCA National Championships, taking place in Greensboro from March 30 through April 3. The meet will bring together top YMCA swimmers from across the country to compete at the highest level of age-group swimming.
Leading the team is Sydney Wolbert, who enters the national meet as the No. 1 seed in the 200 Butterfly. Wolbert will compete in a full slate of events, including the 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke, 200 Individual Medley, and 200 Butterfly. She is seeded to reach finals in the 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke, and 200 Individual Medley, in addition to holding the top overall seed in the 200 Butterfly.
At last year’s national championships, Wolbert delivered an impressive performance, placing third in the 200 Butterfly, seventh in the 200 Individual Medley, 12th in the 100 Backstroke, and 13th in the 100 Butterfly- results that have propelled her to the top ranking this season.
Wolbert’s journey with the Pocono Family YMCA began at just six months old in the Parent/Child program. She progressed through swim lessons and joined the competitive swim team at age five, developing into one of the program’s most accomplished athletes. She currently holds 16 short course yard records and seven long course records. Wolbert has committed to continue her academic and athletic career at the University of Delaware beginning in the fall of 2026.
Joining Wolbert at nationals are:
- Kareem Oliver (East Stroudsburg), competing in the 100 Backstroke
- Alfred Zheng (Stroudsburg), competing in the 100 Breaststroke
- Rayn O’Connell (Dingmans Ferry), relay swimmer
- Sam Fisher (Dingmans Ferry), relay swimmer
- Seiji Galperin, relay swimmer
The relay team of O’Connell, Fisher, and Galperin will compete in the 200 and 400 Medley Relays as well as the 200 Freestyle Relay.
“This group of swimmers represents the dedication, perseverance, and spirit of the Pocono Family YMCA,” said Coach Mike Wolbert. “For the first time in our program’s history, we have a swimmer entering the national championships ranked No. 1- an incredible achievement for Sydney and a testament to the strength of our entire team. We are proud of each of these athletes for earning the opportunity to compete on the national stage.”
As the team prepares for nationals, they are actively fundraising to help offset travel and competition expenses. Community members who would like to support these athletes can make a donation by visiting the Pocono Family YMCA website at www.poconoymca.org/donate.
The Pocono Family YMCA looks forward to cheering on these athletes as they represent the community on a national stage.