Dominic Impens, a standout swimmer from Fort Mill High School, has been named a Scholastic All-American by USA Swimming, an honor awarded to just 2,000 student-athletes nationwide. This recognition celebrates those who excel both academically and athletically, with Impens being one of only 24 students from South Carolina to earn the accolade in 2024.
The requirements for this prestigious honor include maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the qualifying year and achieving a junior national swim qualifying time or higher. Impens has exceeded these rigorous standards, demonstrating his exceptional commitment to both the classroom and the pool.
A Tega Cay resident, Impens is a cornerstone of the Fort Mill High School Boys Swim Team, which earned second place at the South Carolina High School League State Championship meet. He also competes for the YMCA of Upper Palmetto Rays, where he continues to shine as a top performer. At the state championship meet, Impens earned the coveted Palmetto’s Finest Award, an honor reserved for swimmers who win four gold medals in a single meet. He shared this distinction with his best friend and teammate, Turner Wiand.
Impens further cemented his legacy by breaking a longstanding state record in the 100-yard breaststroke, posting an extraordinary time of 56.15 seconds and surpassing a record that had stood since 2007.
Fort Mill High School Swim Coach Cindy VanBuskirk spoke highly of Impens’ achievements:
“This is a well-deserved honor and recognition for Dominic. His dedication and diligence in the classroom and with the sport of competitive swimming is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoy coaching this amazing student-athlete during his high school seasons. I have no doubt that Dominic will continue to succeed both in and out of the pool! I look forward to watching his future endeavors.”
Jon “Big Show” Mengering, Head Coach and Executive Director of Competitive Aquatics for the YMCA of Upper Palmetto, echoed similar sentiments:
“Given the time requirements and dedication required to excel in both the pool and the classroom, this is truly an honor of the highest order from USA Swimming. Dominic is an incredible young person, and his ability to balance expectations and performance in the classroom and the pool is truly inspiring. Dominic is an important member of our Rays program at the YMCA of Upper Palmetto and displays that commitment to his academics and swimming through his hard work, diligence, and leadership every day. I am so proud of Dominic for this incredible accomplishment and recognition.”
Impens’ Scholastic All-American recognition is a testament to his tireless dedication to both academic excellence and athletic success. His accomplishments bring pride to Fort Mill High School and the Tega Cay community, setting an inspiring example for future student-athletes.
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