Illinois Swim and Dive Kicks Off 2025-26 Season with Home Meet at Iowa State

Illinois swimming and Diving Team Gears Up for Season Opener Against Iowa State

AMES, iowa – The Illinois Women’s Swimming and Diving program will commence its 2025 campaign with a challenging dual meet against the Iowa State Cyclones, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 17th and 18th. the competition will take place at Beyer Pool on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Returning Strength for the Fighting Illini

The Illinois squad boasts the return of key contributors who previously excelled at the big Ten level. Senior sara Jass and Sophomore Kayla Duran are poised to lead the team, having both secured scoring positions in the previous season’s Big Ten Championships. Duran demonstrated her prowess by accumulating 15 points, while Jass added six points to the team’s total.

Adding to the Illini’s strength, Senior liv Dorshorst currently holds the individual school records in both the 1000 freestyle, with a time of 9:56.73, and the 1650 freestyle, clocking in at 16:33.79. The program also welcomes a promising class of incoming freshmen, including Emma Schumacher, Hailey Vlcek, Audrey Cavaliere, and Bella Wojtowicz, who are expected to make an immediate impact.

The diving team remains robust with the return of Elleka Boeres, Elle Crisostomo, Matilda Garcia, and Bethany Mercer, all experienced divers from the prior season.

Scouting the Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State concluded their 2024-2025 season at the Big 12 Championships, finishing tenth overall with a total of 397 points. The Cyclones will rely on the experience of Sophomore Anja Peck, who finished twelfth in the 200-meter breaststroke at 2:13.82, and Sophomore Grace Swoboda, who showed considerable potential during her freshman year in the breaststroke events. Leading the distance squad is Senior Corinne Guist.

On the diving side,Iowa State is spearheaded by seniors Ally Blumenfeld and Kate Mitchell,both of whom contributed to the team’s score at last year’s Big 12 Championships. The addition of freshmen Iona Moffat and Jade Hazes is anticipated to further strengthen the Cyclones’ diving roster.

Team	Key Returners	Notable Freshmen
Illinois	Sara Jass, Kayla Duran, Liv Dorshorst	Emma Schumacher, Hailey Vlcek, Audrey Cavaliere, Bella Wojtowicz
Iowa State	Anja Peck, Grace Swoboda, Corinne Guist, Ally blumenfeld, Kate Mitchell	Iona Moffat, Jade Hazes

Did You Know? Swimming and diving programs significantly contribute to collegiate athletic diversity, with a high representation of international student-athletes.

Pro Tip: Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are critical for peak performance in swimming and diving.

Meet Details

The dual meet is scheduled to begin on Friday,October 17th,at 5:00 PM CT and continue on Saturday,October 18th,at 11:00 AM CT. Fans can follow the Illinois Swim and Dive team’s progress on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

What are your predictions for the illinois team’s performance this weekend? Do you think the incoming freshmen will play a key role in the meet?

The Growing Popularity of Collegiate Swimming and Diving

Collegiate swimming and diving have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, with increased viewership and a growing number of participants. According to the NCAA, over 190,000 students participate in collegiate athletics, with swimming and diving representing a significant portion. This growth is attributed to increased media coverage, a focus on athlete wellness, and the excitement surrounding championship events.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Swimming & Diving

1. what is the schedule for the Illinois vs. Iowa State meet? The meet will be held on Friday, Oct. 17th at 5 p.m. CT and Saturday, Oct. 18th at 11 a.m. CT.
2. where will the Illinois swimming and diving team compete? The competition will be held at Beyer Pool in Ames, Iowa.
3. Who are some of the key returning swimmers for Illinois? Sara Jass, Kayla Duran, and Liv Dorshorst are key returning swimmers for the Illinois team.
4. What are Iowa State’s strengths in swimming and diving? Iowa State boasts experienced seniors and promising freshmen in both swimming and diving events.
5. how can I follow the Illinois Swim and Dive team? You can follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
6. What impact are the incoming freshmen expected to have? The incoming freshmen are expected to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s overall performance.
7. Is collegiate swimming a growing sport? Yes, collegiate swimming and diving are experiencing increased popularity, with more participants and viewership.

Share your thoughts on this exciting match-up! Leave a comment below and let us know who you think will come out on top.

What was Maya ThompsonS time in the 100-yard freestyle event?

Meet Details & Schedule

The Illinois Fighting Illini swim and dive team launched their 2025-26 season with a compelling home meet against Iowa State on October 16, 2025. Held at the IM-SA pool in Champaign, Illinois, the event marked the first competitive action for the Illini after a rigorous off-season training period.

Here’s a breakdown of the key meet data:

* date: October 16, 2025

* Location: IM-SA Pool, Champaign, IL

* Opponent: Iowa State Cyclones

* Events: Full slate of NCAA swimming and diving events, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and both 1-meter and 3-meter diving.

* Start Time: Competition began at 5:00 PM CST. (Confirmed via Illinois Athletics website)

Key performers & Notable Results

Early results indicate strong performances across the board for the Illinois squad. While a full recap is still developing,several Illini athletes demonstrated exceptional form.

* Freestyle Dominance: Sophomore standout,Maya thompson,secured a decisive victory in both the 50 and 100-yard freestyle events,setting a new personal best in the 100-yard with a time of 54.87 seconds.

* Diving Prowess: Senior diver, Ben Carter, continued his extraordinary career with a commanding win in the 3-meter dive, scoring 385.20 points. Carter is a consistent performer and a key contributor to the team’s overall success.

* IM Strength: Freshman phenom, Alex Johnson, showcased his versatility with a second-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley, signaling a bright future for the Illini program.

* Relay Success: The Illinois women’s 200-yard freestyle relay team (Thompson, Rodriguez, Lee, and Nguyen) finished first, posting a time of 1:35.12.

Team outlook for the 2025-26 Season

The Illinois swim and dive program is poised for a prosperous 2025-26 season. Head Coach Sue Novitsky has built a strong foundation of talent and dedication. The team returns a core group of experienced athletes while also welcoming a promising class of freshmen.

Here are some key factors contributing to the team’s optimism:

1. Experienced Leadership: The senior class,led by Carter and Thompson,provides valuable leadership and mentorship for the younger athletes.
2. Strong Recruiting Class: The incoming freshman class is highly regarded, with several athletes expected to make an immediate impact.
3. Dedicated coaching Staff: Coach Novitsky and her staff are committed to developing well-rounded athletes both in and out of the pool.
4. Improved Training Facilities: Recent upgrades to the IM-SA pool and training facilities have enhanced the team’s ability to prepare for competition.

The Importance of Early Season Meets

Early-season meets like the one against Iowa State serve a crucial purpose for collegiate swim and dive programs. They provide:

* Performance Evaluation: Coaches can assess the athletes’ fitness levels and identify areas for enhancement.

* Race Experience: Athletes gain valuable race experience, which is essential for building confidence and refining their technique.

* Team Building: Early meets foster team camaraderie and help build a positive team dynamic.

* Strategic Insights: coaches can experiment with different lineups and strategies to prepare for upcoming competitions.

Illinois’ Commitment to Educational Success & Athletics

The state of Illinois recognizes the importance of both academic achievement and athletic excellence. As highlighted in recent reports from the Illinois goverment (https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov/Documents/Transition/Reports/Transition_Education.pdf),investing in the state’s youth,including student-athletes,is a top priority. This commitment translates into support for programs like Illinois Swim and Dive, ensuring that athletes have the resources they need to succeed both in the pool and in the classroom.

Upcoming schedule & How to Follow

The Illinois Swim and Dive team will continue their season with a series of challenging competitions throughout the fall and winter.

* Next Meet: November 5, 2025 – at Northwestern

* Full Schedule: Available on the Illinois Athletics website (https://fightingillini.com/sports/swimming-and-diving)

Fans can follow the team’s progress through the following channels:

* Website: https://fightingillini.com/sports/swimming-and-diving

* Twitter: @IlliniSwimDive

* Instagram: @illiniswimdive

* Live results: available on the illinois Athletics website during meets.