Get to Know Ryan ...
At what age did you start swimming and how did you get into the sport?
- I started swimming at age 5 for my neighborhood swim team. I got into the sport because of my older sister. She was on the swim team and I remember wanting to be exactly like her.
What routines do you practice before a big race to help you focus and stay ready?
- I have to wear a certain necklace when I compete to feel calm. When competing, I also swim with a smile on my face and have fun to help me focus and stay calm.
What is something that someone wouldn't know about you?
- I was in a band with my sister called "Chick Fight" and I played the drums, ukulele and guitar.
What sport would you play if you did not swim and why?
- I would play lacrosse because I played in high school.
What advice would you give to young athletes who are just starting out in swimming?
- Don't focus too much on your race times. Focus on your work ethic and have fun.
Who is a role model in your life that pushed you to be better in and out of the pool?
- My sister always pushed me to be better in and out of the pool because I always wanted to be like her. I always wanted to make her proud.
Why did you choose the University of Kansas?
- I chose KU because I fell in love with Lawrence and the campus. It feels like home here.
Top Collegiate Times
| Time |
Event |
Date |
Meet |
| 1:02.12 |
100 Y Breast |
2/7/2025 |
vs. Iowa State |
| 2:13.95 |
200 Y Breast |
3/1/2025 |
Big 12 Championship |
| 55.91 |
100 Y Fly |
2/27/2025 |
Big 12 Championship |
| 2:07.44 |
200 Y IM |
2/27/2024 |
Big 12 Championship |
| 23.77 |
50 Y Free |
2/26/2025 |
Big 12 Championship |
2024-25 (Sophomore)
- Academic All-Big 12 Team
- Collected a pair of first place finishes in the 100 breast (1:04.23) and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay at the Sunflower Showdown on October 4.
- Earned two second place finishes in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.32) and 200 breaststroke (2:20.48) at the Illinois Dual while also helping the 200 medley relay to third place.
- Earned a pair of wins in the 100 breast (1:04.24) and 200 breast (2:18.81) against South Dakota.Â
- Placed second in the 200 breast (2:16.74), third in the 100 breast (1:02.68), and helped the 200 Medley Relay to a victory at the Nebraska Dual on November 1.
- Won the 100 breast (1:02.33) and assisted the 200 medley relay to a runner-up finish against Rockhurst on Dec. 7.
- Placed third in the 100 breast (1:04.39) at Houston on Jan. 11
- Won the 200 breast (2:16.27) and came in runner-up finish in the 100 breast (1:02.48) at Arkansas on Jan. 24
- Earned a trio of podium finishes with a silver in the 100 breast (1:02.12), bronze in the 200 breast (2:16.55) while assisting the 200 medley relay to a gold against Iowa State on Feb. 7
- Posted a trio of lifetime bests in the 100 fly (55.97), 50 free (23.77) and with her 19th place finish in the 200 breast (2:13.95) at the Big 12 Championship
2023-24 (Freshman)
- Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team.
- Led the team in the 200-yard breaststroke with a season-best time of 2:15.74 and was second in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:03.64) in her first collegiate year.
- Won the 100-yard breaststroke three times this season – Sunflower Showdown (Oct. 6), Illinois (Oct. 14) and Iowa State (Feb. 10).
- Won the 200-yard breaststroke at Iowa State (Feb. 10).
- Picked up second-place finishes in the 100-yard breaststroke against Illinois (Oct. 14) and Arkansas (Feb. 26).
High School
- Attended Arapahoe High School, located in Centennial, Colorado
- Won a combined 5 letters in swimming and lacrosse
- 2022-23 Swim Team Captain
- 2023 Season MVP
- 5A State Champions 2015-18 (Aces Club Team)
- 2021 Sectionals Champions (Aqua Wolves Swim Club)
- 2022 Scholastic Individual All-American
- 2023 Scholastic Individual All-American
- 100 breast school, league and pool record holder (1:02.25)
- 100 breast 3rd place state finisher (2022)
- 100 breast 3rd place state finisher (2023)
Personal
- Daughter of John and Lisa Johnston
- Has a sister, Mia
- Sport Management major