Henry Brewster finished the 2024-25 swim season as a sophomore standout for Whitworth’s men’s swimming program. Brewster competed in the 2025 Last Chance Swim Meet, accomplishing a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) qualifying mark and setting a team record in the 200-yard butterfly. Brewster’s time ranked 14th on the NCAA Division III list for the event.
However, Brewster’s success at the collegiate level started in his first year at Whitworth. During his freshman season, Brewster was named to the first team All-NWC, in the 100 and 200-yard butterfly and the 400-medley relay, and also placed first in the 200 butterfly and second in the 100 butterfly at the 2024 Northwest Conference (NWC) Championships.
Brewster is originally from West Vancouver, British Columbia, and specializes in butterfly and freestyle. Brewster describes his journey to the sport, stating, “I started swimming when I was 13, so seven years ago, kind of late for most swimmers.” However, Brewster explained that this late start did not hold him back. “My previous diving experience helps me to be better”.
Brewster values Coach Steven Schadt’s training because it emphasizes hard work and progress, but also helps swimmers adjust their mentality through visual training. He adopts a stress-free and motivating management style. Henry said, “I think just following his training, you know, he gives us a lot of opportunities to push ourselves … he’s a great coach.”
From October to February, the Whitworth swim program trains ten times a week, including swimming and strength training. They primarily focus on training volume and intensity. Brewster describes his view on this extensive training, stating, “I love the training more than competing. I really just enjoy putting my head down and putting the work into the training.” Brewster explains that Whitworth Swim trains as if they are competing. “Doing the race one time is easy compared to practice, where we do that race four times in one set and it hurts a lot more.”
However, Brewster’s dedication to the sport does not go unnoticed. Coach Schadt states “He is one of the most disciplined swimmers we have on our team. He puts in the time and works hard.”
Brewster acknowledged that while swimming is more of an individual sport, Whitworth’s program has made him feel like a part of a team. Brewster described that the four hours of daily training and shared meals have created a deep friendship among the team members.
After graduation, Brewster plans to still incorporate his love for the sport into his daily life, stating that he wants to switch to triathlons, as he likes to challenge himself by combining swimming, running and cycling.
