Ranney School junior Daren Chen, who won the Meet of Champions in the 200 IM to become the first Panthers’ swimmer to earn a state title, has verbally committed to compete for Georgetown once he graduates from Ranney School in 2025.
“Daren has done so much for the Ranney School swimming program, and we couldn’t be happier to see him excited for the next step in his athletic career at Georgetown,” said Ranney Athletic Director Natalie Gorman. “His incredible commitment and work ethic to his sport have led him to this elite position. We have loved watching him compete in the pool as a Panther and are excited for his senior season and beyond.”
Daren competed in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions at Gloucester County Institute of Technology, winning the 200 IM with a time of 1:48.40, marking the first time that a Ranney swimmer has won a state title. He also placed fifth in the 100 Fly with a time of 49.05. The top swimmers in the state, both public and private, were competing for state titles. Last year at the Meet of Champions, Daren placed second in the 200 IM.
The win at MOC capped an amazing season for Daren, who also had success at the Shore Conference Tournament and the Monmouth County Championship. Daren placed first in the 200 IM at the Shore Conference Tournament with a time of 1:50.96. He also won the 100 Fly in a time of 49.97.
At the Monmouth County Championship, Daren placed first in the 100 Fly with a school record and Ranney’s first Monmouth County Championship in school history. He also came in second in the 100 Free.
“Daren is a phenomenal athlete, and we all know that by his times and watching him compete, but he has also grown into a great leader,” said Swimming Head Coach Pete DeNoble. He supports and cheers on his teammates to make sure that they are also successful. He is an amazing competitor who locks in what he has to do and then goes out and continues to achieve and drop times. I enjoy being part of his journey and watching him capture the school’s first state title in swimming!”
When Daren announced his future plans, he said, “I am so stoked to announce my verbal commitment to continue my swimming and academic journey at Georgetown University.”
Daren said, “Georgetown was an easy choice, it's an amazing academic experience and I feel so honored to have this opportunity to swim for the Hoyas!”