Sally Ann Ouzts: A Backstroke Specialist’s Journey from South Carolina to Division I Excellence
Born on March 19, 2004, in Columbia, South Carolina, Sally Ann Ouzts has carved out an impressive path in competitive swimming, building her reputation as one of the region’s most accomplished backstroke specialists. Standing 5’6″, this determined athlete has progressed from local age-group competitions to competing at the NCAA Division I level, demonstrating the dedication and work ethic that have become her trademarks.
Early Years and Family Foundation
Sally Ann grew up in a sports-oriented household in the Columbia area, the daughter of Jenny and Richard Ouzts. Her father, Richard, was himself a standout athlete who earned a football scholarship to Mars Hill University, instilling in his daughters an appreciation for athletic excellence and competitive drive. Sally Ann has one sister, Claire, and the family eventually settled in Chapin, South Carolina, where Sally Ann would make her mark on the local swimming scene.
The Ouzts family’s athletic legacy runs deep. Richard was a proud graduate of Irmo High School, where he lettered in both football and track before his college career. Before Sally Ann could even swim, her father had joined the Cold Stream Swim Club—a testament to the confidence and determination that would later define his daughter’s approach to the sport. This early exposure to aquatic athletics undoubtedly influenced the family culture that would support Sally Ann’s swimming journey.
High School Career at Chapin
Sally Ann’s competitive swimming career truly took flight at Chapin High School in Chapin, South Carolina, where she became one of the program’s most decorated athletes. Training under head coach Alec Rutkowski, she earned an impressive six varsity letters over her high school career—a remarkable achievement that speaks to her consistency and longevity at the top level of high school competition.
Her dedication paid dividends. By her senior year, Sally Ann had risen to team captain, leading by example both in and out of the pool. She established herself as the school’s premier backstroker, ultimately setting the Chapin High School record in the 100-yard backstroke—a mark that stands as a testament to her technical proficiency and speed in her signature event.
Beyond her high school team, Sally Ann competed with Gamecock Aquatics, one of South Carolina’s premier club programs, under the guidance of coach Mike Kuzma. This dual training environment provided her with year-round development opportunities and exposure to high-level competition that would prepare her for the next phase of her career.
The Junior College Years: Dominance at Indian River State College
After graduating from Chapin High School, Sally Ann made the decision to compete at the junior college level, enrolling at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida. This choice proved transformative, placing her in one of the most successful swimming programs in NJCAA history.
Indian River State College, known simply as “The River,” boasts an unprecedented dynasty in junior college swimming and diving. The program has won more than 50 consecutive men’s national championships and over 40 consecutive women’s titles, establishing itself as the gold standard in NJCAA competition. Training under the legendary coaching staff, including NJCAA Male Swim Coach of the Year Sion Brinn, Sally Ann found herself surrounded by elite talent and a culture of excellence.
Competing in the backstroke events—the 50, 100, and 200 yards—Sally Ann became a consistent podium finisher at the NJCAA national level. She earned runner-up honors in all three backstroke events, demonstrating her versatility across distances while cementing her status as one of the nation’s top junior college backstrokers. Her performances earned her NJCAA All-American honors, a recognition reserved for the top eight finishers in each event at the national championships.
During her time at Indian River, Sally Ann was part of a program that continued its historic dominance. The Pioneers consistently won 40-plus events at nationals, set multiple national records, and produced athletes who would go on to compete at the NCAA Division I level. The experience of training in such a high-performance environment, competing against the nation’s best junior college swimmers, and learning to handle the pressure of championship meets proved invaluable preparation for her next step.
Transition to Georgia Southern University
Following her successful stint at Indian River State College, Sally Ann transferred to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, to continue her academic and athletic career at the NCAA Division I level. Currently majoring in Education, she joined the Eagles’ swimming and diving program, which competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
The move to Division I represented both a step up in competition and an opportunity to compete on a bigger stage. Georgia Southern’s program, under the leadership of its coaching staff, emphasizes both athletic excellence and academic achievement—values that aligned perfectly with Sally Ann’s approach to her college career.
As a sophomore during the 2024-25 season, Sally Ann began to make her mark on the Georgia Southern record books. Her top collegiate times reflect steady improvement and consistent performance: a 24.62 in the 50-yard freestyle (2024), 57.68 in the 100-yard backstroke (2024), and 2:06.08 in the 200-yard backstroke (2024). She has also contributed to the Eagles’ relay efforts, recording times of 1:37.55 in the 200-yard freestyle relay (2025), 1:43.24 in the 200-yard medley relay (2024), and 3:46.83 in the 400-yard medley relay (2024).
Breakthrough Moments as an Eagle
The 2024-25 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Sally Ann at the Division I level. On January 18, 2025, competing at the University of North Florida, she achieved her first individual event win as an Eagle, touching the wall in 2:09.96 in the 200-yard backstroke. The victory was part of a dominant team performance in which Georgia Southern defeated North Florida 153-109, with the Eagles winning nine of the fourteen contested events.
That first victory represented more than just a win—it symbolized Sally Ann’s successful transition from the junior college ranks to Division I competition, validating her decision to transfer and proving she could compete with swimmers who had been in Division I programs since their freshman year.
One week later, on January 25, Georgia Southern hosted North Florida for their Senior Day meet, and Sally Ann continued her strong performances. The Eagles delivered a historic 215-83 victory, their most dominant win of the season, giving the team tremendous momentum heading into championship season.
Sun Belt Conference Championships
The 2025 Sun Belt Conference Championships, held February 19-22 at the Rosen Aquatic Center in Orlando, Florida, represented the culmination of Sally Ann’s sophomore season. The meet showcased the depth and talent of the conference, with Georgia Southern ultimately finishing third in the team standings—a strong showing in a competitive field.
Sally Ann contributed to the Eagles’ success throughout the four-day championship meet. In the 200-yard backstroke, she joined teammates Allie Byerly and Scout Chapin in the B Finals, with all three swimmers setting new personal bests in the event. While they didn’t reach the championship A Finals, their improved times demonstrated the team’s depth in the backstroke events and the progress Sally Ann had made throughout the season.
The championships proved to be a record-setting affair for Georgia Southern. The Eagles established multiple personal bests and program records, with Sally Ann’s backstroke improvements contributing to the team’s overall success. The third-place finish exceeded expectations and positioned the program for continued growth in future seasons.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Currently in her sophomore year (2025-26 academic year) at Georgia Southern, Sally Ann continues to train and compete as a key member of the Eagles’ swimming and diving squad. Her Instagram bio (@sally_ouzts) proudly chronicles her swimming journey: “SC | FL | GA @irscswimminganddiving ’24 @gsathletics_sd ’26″—a succinct summary of her progression from South Carolina roots through Indian River State College to Georgia Southern.
With two more years of collegiate eligibility ahead of her, Sally Ann has positioned herself for continued improvement. Her primary events remain the backstroke races, where her technical proficiency and racing instincts give her the potential to climb even higher in the Sun Belt Conference rankings. Her experience competing at the NJCAA national level has given her a championship mentality that serves her well in high-pressure situations.
The Eagles’ program continues to build and improve, and Sally Ann’s role as a veteran presence—despite being only a sophomore in terms of NCAA eligibility—makes her a valuable leader in the pool. Her work ethic, established through years of year-round training at Gamecock Aquatics and refinement at Indian River State College, sets an example for younger swimmers in the program.
Beyond the Pool
Sally Ann’s decision to major in Education reflects her interest in making a positive impact beyond her competitive swimming career. The field aligns with the mentoring and leadership roles she has embraced throughout her athletic journey—from team captain at Chapin High School to a role model for younger swimmers at Georgia Southern.
Her family has been a constant source of support throughout her journey. Tragically, her father Richard Ouzts, who had been one of her biggest supporters and a fixture at her meets, passed away in October 2025 at the age of 59. Richard, who had gone on to become deeply involved in Chapin athletics, serving on the Eagle Club Board and as a color commentator for CSPN broadcasts of Chapin High School football, had taken tremendous pride in watching his daughter compete at the Division I level. His legacy of athletic excellence and community involvement continues to inspire Sally Ann’s approach to both swimming and life.
Swimming Style and Strengths
As a backstroke specialist, Sally Ann has developed the technical precision required to excel in one of swimming’s most demanding strokes. Backstroke requires exceptional body position, a powerful kick, efficient rotation, and precise timing—all elements that Sally Ann has honed through years of focused training.
Her versatility across backstroke distances—from the 50 to the 200 yards—demonstrates both her speed and endurance. The 50-yard backstroke demands explosive power and flawless technique, while the 200-yard event requires strategic pacing and the ability to maintain form under fatigue. Sally Ann’s success in all three distances at the NJCAA level showcased her complete skill set.
Her training at Indian River State College, where she worked alongside some of the nation’s best junior college swimmers, refined her racing instincts and competitive edge. The experience of consistently competing at national championship meets has given her the mental toughness required to perform under pressure—a quality that translates well to Division I competition.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Sally Ann has established herself as a foundational piece of Georgia Southern’s swimming program. With eligibility remaining through the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons, she has ample opportunity to continue dropping time, setting program records, and potentially earning All-Sun Belt Conference honors.
Her progression from a South Carolina high school standout to a NJCAA All-American to a Division I contributor represents the kind of steady, purposeful development that often leads to peak performances in the later years of a college career. Many collegiate swimmers find their best times during their junior and senior seasons, and Sally Ann’s trajectory suggests she may follow that pattern.
The Sun Belt Conference continues to strengthen its swimming and diving programs, providing Sally Ann with increasingly challenging competition that will push her to new heights. The conference championships have become highly competitive affairs, and Georgia Southern’s rising program—evidenced by their third-place finish in 2025—positions Sally Ann to compete for individual conference honors in the coming years.
A South Carolina Swimming Legacy
Sally Ann Ouzts represents the kind of swimmer who embodies the values of persistence, steady improvement, and commitment to excellence. From her early days learning the sport in Columbia to setting records at Chapin High School, dominating at the NJCAA level, and now competing in Division I, her journey reflects the opportunities available to dedicated athletes willing to work for their goals.
Her story also highlights the important role that junior college athletics can play in athlete development. Indian River State College’s program provided Sally Ann with the perfect environment to refine her skills, gain championship experience, and prepare for the demands of Division I swimming—all while completing her academic coursework and positioning herself for a successful transfer.
As she continues her career at Georgia Southern, Sally Ann carries forward the legacy of her family, her coaches, and the programs that have shaped her development. Each race represents not just her own efforts but the accumulated support of parents who encouraged her athletic pursuits, coaches who developed her technique, teammates who pushed her in practice, and a community that celebrated her successes.
For young swimmers in South Carolina and beyond, Sally Ann’s career provides a roadmap: start young, work consistently, embrace year-round training, consider all pathways to collegiate swimming, and never stop improving. Her progression through the ranks of competitive swimming demonstrates that with dedication, proper guidance, and unwavering commitment, it’s possible to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Conclusion
Sally Ann Ouzts has established herself as one of South Carolina’s notable swimming talents of her generation. Her achievements—from Chapin High School record holder to NJCAA All-American to Georgia Southern Eagle—tell the story of an athlete who has consistently risen to meet new challenges.
As she continues her collegiate career, Sally Ann remains focused on improvement, team success, and academic achievement. Her best swimming may still lie ahead, and the Georgia Southern community eagerly anticipates the performances to come from one of their most dedicated and accomplished student-athletes.
The young woman from Columbia, South Carolina, who learned to swim in the same state where her father once joined a swim club before he could even swim himself, has carried forward that family tradition of confidence and determination, creating her own legacy in the pool while honoring the athletic heritage that came before her.
