Rylee grew up unlike most kids. She grew up on the beach, where the ocean was her playground and the shoreline was her sidewalk. From an early age, water was her home. It wasn’t until her brother convinced her to try competitive swimming that she discovered just how much the sport would mean to her. What began as a simple “why not” turned into something she couldn’t imagine her life without.

She joined a club team near the beach and switched teams at age 10, where her love for the sport really took off. Between the ages of 10 and 14, Rylee committed herself to swimming and realized it was something she wanted to pursue forever. At just 14, she achieved her first Olympic Trials cut in the 50 freestyle. A year later, she competed at Olympic Trials, making semifinals in the 100 free and 100 back, and placing 5th in the 50 free final. That same year, she represented Team USA at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Australia, bringing home five gold medals and one silver. She earned a spot on the U.S. National Team at just 15 and has also broken multiple National Age Group records. In 2025, Rylee represented the Stars and Stripes at the World Junior Championships, winning five gold medals and three silver medals. She has also qualified for the USA Pan Pacific team for 2026.

Swimming has given Rylee some of her biggest challenges and greatest joys. With every race, she’s grown stronger not just as an athlete, but as a person. Her journey is far from over, and she’s ready for whatever comes next.