Meet Ryder Pickering. The Bonney Lake High School sophomore has been making waves—literally—since his freshman year, cementing himself as the team’s top sprinter in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. With times that inch closer to long-standing school records, a relay team that just etched its name in history, and aspirations to swim at the Division I level, Pickering is just getting started.
A Passion for the Sprint Events
Pickering thrives in the fast-paced, high-intensity world of sprint swimming. His favorite events, the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle, demand precision, power, and speed—qualities he has honed since he first stepped onto the high school swim deck as a freshman.
“My PRs in the 50 free and 100 free are 22.68 and 51.58,” Pickering said. “I’m less than a second away from both school records, and I like how even shaving down the littlest of time is still a good accomplishment.”
Those incremental improvements have made a big difference. At the 2024 District Championships, Pickering shattered the 23-second barrier in the 50 free, clocking a blistering 22.68 relay split in Bonney Lake’s record-breaking 200 medley relay. He also posted a 50.58 relay split in the 100 free, inching closer to the long-standing school record of 50.35.
Breaking Records, Building a Legacy
One of the defining moments of Pickering’s season came at the District Championships when he anchored Bonney Lake’s 200 medley relay team to a new school record. The quartet of Matthew McGinnis [10] (backstroke), Andrew Siodina [9] (breaststroke), Sullivan Wagner [11] (butterfly), and Pickering [10] (freestyle) smashed a six-year-old high school record with a time of 1:47.03. The following day, they improved even further, finishing in 1:45.20.
“That relay record meant so much to all of us,” Pickering said. “It was a special moment to share with my teammates—Sullivan, Matthew, and Andrew—who have been there pushing me every step of the way.”
Although the squad just missed out on a state qualification, their record-setting performance signals a bright future for Bonney Lake swimming. With all four relay members returning next season, this young crew has unfinished business.
A Journey Through the Water
Pickering’s journey in swimming began at age six when a neighborhood lifeguard in Stafford, Virginia, suggested he try out for the local summer league team. From that moment, swimming became a defining part of his life.
After moving to Washington, he continued his development with the Sumner YMCA team before briefly training with Valley Aquatics. When circumstances led him back to the YMCA, Pickering used the opportunity to refine his skills, eventually securing his spot as Bonney Lake’s top sprinter.
“The first practice of my high school career, I put myself in a moderately fast lane,” Pickering recalled. “It took the coaches about 15 minutes to move me up to the varsity guys, where I was the only freshman in the fastest lane.”
That confidence and work ethic have propelled him to the forefront of Bonney Lake swimming, earning him multiple YMCA state titles and setting the stage for even greater achievements.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Dreams
Despite being just a sophomore, Pickering has big aspirations. He dreams of competing at an out-of-state Division I program, with Arizona State University at the top of his list.
Beyond swimming, he has a keen interest in video production and hopes to pursue a communications-related major in journalism or broadcasting.
But before college, Pickering has unfinished business at Bonney Lake. This March, he looks to defend his four YMCA state titles in the 50 free, 100 free, 50 fly, and 200 free relay. And next high school season, he’ll be back in the pool, ready to take down those school records that are just within reach.
More Than Just Swimming
When he’s not in the pool, Pickering stays active with golf and plans to join the track team soon. Outside of sports, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, making the most of life beyond the chlorine.
From his early days in Virginia to his record-breaking performances at Bonney Lake, Pickering’s journey is one of determination, resilience, and raw talent. And with two more years of high school swimming ahead, this is just the beginning of his story.
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