GREENSBORO, N.C. – The FIU swimming & diving team is preparing to compete at the American Conference Swimming & Diving Championship, taking place from Wednesday, Feb. 18 through Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Greensboro Aquatic Center. The championship will be live-streamed on ESPN+, offering fans a way to follow all the action.
The Panthers are looking to build on a strong 2025 performance where they finished just 1.5 points shy of securing their second consecutive conference title, totaling 1,475 points and earning 16 medals, including a conference-leading six gold medals. Last year’s success also saw FIU set two school and meet records: a time of 1:36.60 in the 200-yard medley relay and a new program record of 59.02 in the 100-yard breaststroke set by Emma Becker. This year’s American Conference Championship promises intense competition.
FIU concluded its dual-meet season with victories over Florida Atlantic and Lynn. They also achieved a strong midseason result at the Mizzou Invite, finishing second ahead of Power Four program TCU. The team also received recognition throughout the regular season, earning two American Conference weekly awards, demonstrating their consistent performance.
Panthers Poised for Competition
The Panthers will participate in 22 events at the championship, showcasing their depth across various disciplines. FIU boasts 32 times or scores ranked within the top 15 in the conference, with eight among the top three. Senior Nicole Frank leads the charge, holding the top conference time in the 400-yard Individual Medley (4:12.85), and ranking fourth in both the 200-yard Individual Medley (2:00.74) and the 200-yard Breaststroke (2:12.87). Frank was previously named the American Conference Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet after winning three individual gold medals in the 200 breaststroke, 200 IM and 400 IM.
Pauline Zeller is a strong contender in the butterfly events, currently holding the second-fastest time in the 100-yard Butterfly (52.65). Diana Santamaria is also expected to perform well, ranking fourth in the 100-yard Backstroke (53.64).
Relay Strength and Diving Prowess
FIU’s relay teams are also positioned for success, ranking in the top three in four of the five relay events. The team of Tawannah McLemore, Diana Santamaria, and Frida Stretre Løbersli currently holds the fastest time in the 200-yard Medley Relay (1:36.47). Olivia Matson, McLemore, Santamaria, and Zeller lead the conference in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:30.84.
On the diving boards, Ruska Lehtonen leads the conference with a platform score of 269.03. Kristina Keenan is also a strong performer, ranking fourth in both the 3-meter (310.43) and 1-meter (278.18) events.
Championship Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of the championship schedule:
- Wednesday, February 18: Swimming Prelims – 10:30 a.m. ET | Finals – 6 p.m. ET | ESPN+ (200-yard Medley Relay, 500-yard Freestyle, 200-yard Individual Medley, 50-yard Freestyle, Team Diving Event)
- Thursday, February 19: Swimming Prelims – 10:30 a.m. ET | Diving Prelims – 11:30 a.m. ET | ESPN+; Diving Consols – 5:10 p.m. ET | Finals – 6 p.m. ET | ESPN+ (200-yard Freestyle Relay, 400-yard Individual Medley, 100-yard Butterfly, 200-yard Freestyle, 1-meter Diving Finals, 400-yard Medley Relay)
- Friday, February 20: Swimming Prelims – 10:30 a.m. ET | Diving Prelims – 11:30 a.m. ET | ESPN+; Diving Consols – 5:10 p.m. ET | Finals – 6 p.m. ET | ESPN+ (800-yard Freestyle Relay, 3-meter Diving Finals, 100-yard Backstroke, 100-yard Breaststroke, 200-yard Butterfly)
- Saturday, February 21: Swimming Prelims – 10:30 a.m. ET | Diving Prelims – 11:30 a.m. ET | ESPN+; Diving Consols – 5:10 p.m. ET | Finals – 6 p.m. ET | ESPN+ (1,650-yard Freestyle, 100-yard Freestyle, 200-yard Backstroke, 200-yard Breaststroke, Platform Diving Finals, 400-yard Freestyle Relay)
Fans can follow the FIU Swim & Dive team on X/Twitter (@FIUSwimDive), Instagram (@FIUMSwimDive), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSwimmingAndDiving) for the latest updates throughout the championship. General FIU Athletics news can be found at @FIUAthletics on X/Twitter and Instagram.
As the American Conference Championship approaches, the FIU swimming & diving team is focused on delivering strong performances and competing for a top finish. The coming days will reveal whether they can reclaim the conference title and continue their trajectory of success.
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