Olympian Bella Sims and U-M champion Tyler Ray hosted a clinic for MLA swimmers, inspiring them with their expertise. MLA's Sophia Umstead is set to compete at the USA Junior National Championships before joining the University of Virginia.
Key points
Bella Sims and Tyler Ray hosted a clinic for MLA swimmers
Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships
Umstead will attend the University of Virginia
Mentioned in this story
University of Virginia
Bella SimsTyler RaySophia Umstead
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
Q&A
Who are Bella Sims and Tyler Ray?
Bella Sims is an Olympian swimmer, and Tyler Ray is a champion swimmer from the University of Michigan.
What event will Sophia Umstead compete in?
Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships.
Which university will Sophia Umstead attend?
Sophia Umstead will be heading to the University of Virginia.
What was the purpose of the clinic hosted by Bella Sims and Tyler Ray?
The clinic aimed to inspire and train MLA swimmers by sharing the expertise of the Olympian and the U-M champion.
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Jenison's Sophia Umstead competes in the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
Jenison's Sophia Umstead dives into the water at the start of the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
Jenison's Sophia Umstead competes in the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
Jenison's Sophia Umstead competes in the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
MLA's Sophia Umstead signed to swim at Virginia.
Sophia Umstead stands at the pool entrance at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Holland-area swimmers Derek Maas and Sophia Umstead competed in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
MLA's Sophia Umstead qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
Sophia Umstead on the podium at junior nationals.
Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics' Sophia Umstead won the bronze medal at the U.S. Junior National Championships.
MLA's Sophia Umstead competed at junior nationals.
Sophia Umstead.
MLA's Sophia Umstead has started her career strong at just 14.
MLA's Sophia Umstead won the 200 IM at the West Michigan Classic on Sunday.
MLA's Sophia Umstead has started her career strong at just 14.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead will compete at the USA Junior National Championships before heading to the University of Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Jenison's Sophia Umstead competes in the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
7 / 40
PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Jenison's Sophia Umstead dives into the water at the start of the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Jenison's Sophia Umstead competes in the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Jenison's Sophia Umstead competes in the 200 yard freestyle during the Swimming State Finals on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Holland Aquatic Center.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead signed to swim at Virginia.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead stands at the pool entrance at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Holland-area swimmers Derek Maas and Sophia Umstead competed in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead on the podium at junior nationals.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics' Sophia Umstead won the bronze medal at the U.S. Junior National Championships.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead competed at junior nationals.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead has started her career strong at just 14.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead won the 200 IM at the West Michigan Classic on Sunday.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
MLA's Sophia Umstead has started her career strong at just 14.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
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PHOTOS: Sophia Umstead's first NCAAs, swim career reflection
Sophia Umstead helped Virginia swimming win its record sixth NCAA championship in a row March 18-21 at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
HOLLAND - Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics is one of the top swim clubs in the country, but even the top swimmers need some outside inspiration from time to time.
The MLA swimmers got that outside inspiration from University of Michigan swimmers Bella Sims and Tyler Ray - something they hope they pass on to the next generation of swimmers.
"Giving back to the sport is what keeps me going. I remember the first time I got a DM from a little girl asking for advice and giving her advice and having reach back out to tell me that everything worked out - I remember crying. I was so happy," Sims said. "That is my why. In a few years, if they end up doing clinics, and they say they remember when Bella Sims and Tyler Ray came to do a clinic, that would be sick."
Olympic swimmer Bella Sims talks to Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmers during a clinic on Monday, May 4, at Holland Aquatic Center.
Olympic swimmer Bella Sims talks to Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmers during a clinic on Monday, May 4, at Holland Aquatic Center.
Sims was an Olympic silver medalist at the 2021 Games in Tokyo. She won the NCAA championship in the 400 IM in March giving her four total NCAA titles, including her time at Florida before transferring to Michigan.
"The best part is getting a chance to give back. I remember when I was younger and trying to figure out what I wanted to do, we had older kids come in and swim with is. That was a really cool memory for me growing up, so any chance to give back like that I am for," Ray said. "We talked about underwaters a lot. We took big steps in those underwaters and we want to show them something they can apply to their training."
Michigan swimmer Tyler Ray talks to Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmers during a clinic on Monday, May 4, at Holland Aquatic Center.
Michigan swimmer Tyler Ray talks to Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmers during a clinic on Monday, May 4, at Holland Aquatic Center.
Ray, from Pinckney, was the Big Ten champion in both the 100 and 200 butterfly events an holds the conference record in both. He was named Big Ten Swimmer of the Championships and took third in the 200 fly at the NCAA finals.
"It is really exciting. Obviously, Bella is an Olympian and done a lot of great things in this sport," MLA coach Ian Townsend said. "Tyler Ray is an amazing story, a kid from Michigan kind of underrecruited and just blows up in college. That is what these kids can point to in their dreams to do something like that. Creating these memories that they can somehow pass on to someone else is what it's all about."
Michigan swimmers Bella Sims and Tyler Ray pose for a photo with Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmers during a clinic on Monday, May 4, at Holland Aquatic Center.
Michigan swimmers Bella Sims and Tyler Ray pose for a photo with Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics swimmers during a clinic on Monday, May 4, at Holland Aquatic Center.