Get ready to be inspired, because Ethan Holloway’s journey in the pool is nothing short of remarkable—and it’s just getting started. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: not only did he swim personal bests in every single event at the Winter Juniors, but he also clocked a stunning 20.05 in the 50-yard freestyle, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss—Ethan, the son of NC State head coach Braden Holloway, committed to his father’s program for 2026 just two months before this breakout performance. Talk about a family legacy in the making!
Ethan’s standout moments at the Winter Juniors-East meet were hard to ignore. After tying for 24th in the 50 free prelims with a 20.37, he unleashed a blistering 20.05 in the swim-off to secure a finals spot. Later, he claimed victory in the ‘C’ final with a 20.14. He also finished 23rd in the 100 free, dropping a lifetime best of 44.83 in prelims. These aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to his dedication and growth as a swimmer.
Let’s dive into the data, because the improvement is jaw-dropping. Here’s the bold truth: since committing to NC State, Ethan has shaved nearly a full second off his 50 free, over a second off his 100 free, and nearly two seconds off his 200 free. His times now? 20.05 in the 50 free, 44.83 in the 100 free, and 1:38.92 in the 200 free. Even his 100 fly has seen a massive drop, from 51.45 to 48.26. This isn’t just progress—it’s a transformation.
‘I went into this season with more motivation than ever before,’ Ethan shared. ‘I’ve always been a multi-sport athlete, but recently I decided to focus solely on swimming. A lot of my success goes to my coaches and teammates, who push me to be better every single day. My coaches have invested so much in my career and always have my best interests at heart.’ But here’s the controversial question: Can a swimmer truly reach their peak when balancing multiple sports? Ethan’s decision to specialize seems to be paying off—but what do you think?
This increased focus has been paired with tailored training at his club, New Wave Swim Team in Raleigh. ‘We’ve added a second coach on deck,’ Ethan explained, ‘so we can split into smaller groups and focus on more specific training. It’s not just me—it’s helped my entire team get the individualized attention we need.’ And let’s not forget his work outside the pool. Strength and speed development have been game-changers, particularly in his sprint events. ‘Dryland and weight training have been consistent for me,’ he said. ‘And Wolfpack Elite Speed Force, a high-level practice led by top coaches, has built my confidence in sprinting while introducing sets I wouldn’t get in regular club training.’
Next fall, Ethan joins NC State’s class of 2030 alongside powerhouse recruits like #12 ranked Liam Carrington, BOTR-ranked Sam Marsteiner, BOTR-ranked Austin Temple, and Poland’s Jan Gajda. Speaking of Temple, he also competed at Winter Juniors-East, posting an 8th-place finish in the 50 free (20.09) and 14th in the 100 free (45.21), with a prelims time of 44.21. Here’s the kicker: Ethan isn’t just joining a team—he’s joining a culture. ‘NC State has the best team culture I’ve ever seen,’ he said. ‘I’m excited to train hard while having fun. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to show them what I’ve got.’
So, what’s next for Ethan Holloway? With his rapid improvement, specialized training, and a world-class program ahead, the sky’s the limit. But here’s the question we’re all thinking: Can he keep this momentum going and become a collegiate swimming legend? Only time will tell—and we’ll be watching every stroke of the way. What are your thoughts? Do you think Ethan’s decision to specialize in swimming was the right move? Let us know in the comments!
