Peoria Notre Dame’s Gardiner wins 2025 CSM Girls Swimmer of the Year

Peoria Notre Dame’s Kamryn Gardiner made a historic splash in her freshman season for the Irish, kicking off her promising high school career by accomplishing feats that haven’t been done in many years. 

Gardiner earned two medals at the IHSA State Finals, finishing third in the state in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly, to become the first PND swimmer since 2011 to place third or higher at state. She was also the highest-placing swimmer from the Central Illinois area at state since 2017. 

The Irish freshman claimed bronze in the 100 butterfly in 54.56 and the 200 IM in 2:03.33 and won both events at the Pekin Sectional, keying PND to a fifth-place finish. Gardiner was also part of PND’s 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay, which both placed second at sectionals. 

Earlier in her career, she set a new Illinois record for 13 year-olds in the 200 butterfly and shortly afterwards, broke her own state record at the NCSA Championships with a time of 2:00.46. She was a First Team honoree on Clutch Sports Media's 2025 All-Area Girls Swimming and Diving Team.

Hear more from Gardiner about this past season and her career in our interview with her below:

What have you been able to reflect on in the days since the season has ended? 

“I have been able to reflect on the fact that it was so much fun to swim with such an amazing team environment! It was also very fun to compete against all the different girls I see during club season. Overall I was very happy with how the season went!”

What inspired your love for swimming?

“My mom started me in summer swim and I really enjoyed it so I joined a club team. From there, what inspired me was just trying to better my times and racing others.”

What all helped play a role in your success this season?

“I would have to say my coach, Derek Amerman, because he always pushes me in practices and inspires me to reach my full potential. He also always reminds me to just have fun when I’m racing and that really helps me maintain my love for the sport.”

What’s a motto or mindset you take when you’re competing?

“While competing I always try to remind myself to just swim my own race and focus on what I can control. By doing this ,it helps me relax before a big swim and reminds me of all the work I have put in during the season.”

Aside from winning, what was your favorite memory of the season? 

“My favorite memory of the season was probably just the camaraderie of the team. I had lots of fun becoming so close with all of the girls on the team. From bus rides to after weights Starbucks, it was so great to be part of such an amazing group of girls!”

What are your future plans or aspirations? 

“My future goals for high school swim would probably be to hopefully win a state title and take a relay up to compete. Outside of high school swim, I hope to one day achieve an Olympic trial cut.”