Ellison Charette, a rising star in the world of high school swimming, has verbally committed to Georgetown University, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. Charette, a two-time Connecticut high school state champion, has been a force to be reckoned with in the pool, and her decision to join the Georgetown Hoyas is a testament to her talent and dedication.
What makes Charette's commitment particularly intriguing is her unique training background. While many swimmers focus on specialized techniques, Charette's journey began with the YMCA of Greenwich Marlins, where she honed her distance freestyle skills. This diverse training experience, combined with her natural talent, has likely contributed to her success in the pool.
In the 2025-26 short course season, Charette made waves at the YMCA National Championships, placing third in the 1650 free, sixth in the 1000 free, 18th in the 500 free, and 40th in the 200 free. Her performances were even more impressive when considering her personal bests, as she dropped over 21 seconds in the 1650 and over four seconds in the 500. These achievements have undoubtedly caught the attention of college recruiters, and her commitment to Georgetown is a validation of her hard work.
On the high school stage, Charette has been a consistent performer at the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) State Championships. This past season, she achieved a breakthrough by winning her first-ever state titles in the 500 free and the 200 free relay. Her leadership and versatility were on full display, as she also contributed a silver medal in the 400 free relay and a fifth-place finish in the 200 IM. These accomplishments further solidify her status as a top swimmer in the state.
Georgetown University, a Division I Mid-Major program, is a perfect fit for Charette's aspirations. The women's team has shown promise, placing third at the Big East conference championships. Charette's current lifetime bests would have secured her a fourth-place finish in the 1650 free and an 11th-place finish in the 500 free, indicating that she has the potential to make an immediate impact. With two full seasons of training ahead, she will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming seasons.
Charette's commitment to Georgetown is a significant development in college swimming, and it highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds. Her journey from the YMCA to the prestigious Georgetown Hoyas serves as an inspiration for aspiring swimmers, demonstrating that a well-rounded approach to training can lead to remarkable success.
As Charette embarks on this new chapter, she joins a talented group of swimmers already committed to Georgetown's class of 2031, including Cecilia Russell, Claire Reed, and Catherine Dieffenthaller. The future looks bright for Charette, and her impact on the Georgetown swimming program is sure to be significant. The swimming world eagerly awaits her contributions to the sport, and her story will undoubtedly inspire many young athletes to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication.
