George Washington University Athletics
Joselle Mensah Named Ghana’s SWAG Swimmer of the Year
12/10/2025 11:44:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
GW swimmer Joselle Mensah didn't expect to be making a last-minute trip to Accra in the middle of the collegiate season. But when a message from Ghana's swimming federation appeared on her phone, she quickly realized the news was worth the disruption.
"I'd say probably excitement and also just feeling honored," Mensah said of learning she had been named Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Swimmer of the Year. "There's a lot of talented swimmers out there on the team, and to be selected out of all of Team Ghana…it's a huge honor."
Mensah didn't know she had won until days before the ceremony. The trip was so sudden that she flew in for just one night, arriving alongside four of her uncles to accept the award.
"Being able to be there in person was really special," she said. "That was one of the moments where I felt truly appreciated by my family and community."
The award capped a standout season representing Ghana internationally. Her proudest moment came at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
"It was such a long travel, but I still performed and broke my own national records. It is always fun to come together as a relay team as well and be able to represent the country as a whole.
Raised in Bad Vilbel, Germany, Mensah grew up closely connected to her Ghanaian heritage through her father's side of the family. She began competing for Ghana in 2024 with her debut at the African Games. "All my uncles, aunts, cousins—they're all there."
After graduating from Lindenwood University in 2024 with a double B.A. in international relations and political science, she returned to college swimming when she enrolled at GW in January, a move she said restored structure and momentum to her training. While at GW, Mensah is pursuing her Master's degree in international business.
"Getting back into the college system was a huge opportunity for me," she said.
Mensah credits GW Head Coach Chico Rego and the whole GW coaching staff with giving her the flexibility to pursue international opportunities without losing ground in the college season.
"He's given me the flexibility to attend such events in the first place and trusted me with that," said Mensah. "I'd have to say thanks to the whole GW coaching community. They pushed me even when there weren't many teammates around," she said, referring to her time spent in Foggy Bottom over the summer.
This season marks her first and last trip to the Atlantic 10 Championships, as Mensah uses up her remaining eligibility in 2025-26. Mensah is looking forward to putting her best foot forward in her visit to the A-10 meet, this February in Hampton, Va. "It's always ideal to end on a high note, but that's out of my control," she said. "I set my goals based on effort."
Internationally, Mensah is eyeing Ghana's hosting of the 2026 African Swimming Championships in April. She hopes her success can help inspire greater investment in swimming across the continent.
"Aquatic sports don't gain as much attention," she said. "Receiving this award shows there is development happening. And receiving it as a young female — that's a signal for other swimmers to be like, 'If she got there, maybe I can also get that award one day.'"
When asked what people often overlook about her path, she was direct.
"There's times where you really just have to be gentle with yourself," Mensah said. "Every athlete also has a personal life…having the support of my family, friends and mentors all around, that's probably the key factor that has given me strength."
Players Mentioned
